Griet Verholle

I am Griet Verholle and was born in Tielt. A city in West Flanders. I grew up in the area of Poelberg: between the fields, in the 'boere-buiten'. As a child, we played a lot outside and only went home in the evening when the streetlights went out.

Until my 23rd, I stayed in Tielt. I did my secondary education at the Sint-JozefsCollege in Tielt. I followed Modern Languages Economics there.

After this training, I went to the Vives University of Applied Sciences to study Primary Education Teacher. During my internships, I quickly noticed that Special Education became my absolute preference, due to the relaxed atmosphere that prevails in these schools. I immediately started in Special Education right after my training - again in Tielt. After 17 years, I am still at the same school and still with full conviction.

But... over the years, I discovered a hobby that I can't let go of, namely painting and drawing. It started very small: at home, in the living room, I once made a painting... It turned out not to be so bad after all, and above all, it relaxed me enormously. Just as if I had processed all sorts of problems while painting.

Due to my family life, I had to 'fight' more and more for free time, so I started looking for a place where I could quietly do my thing. I ended up in a free studio: painting at someone's home, with other like-minded people, one by one wonderful people who help when you're stuck and dare to give their honest opinion. In the meantime, I have been doing this for 5 years, every Wednesday. At home, I also try to be as creative as possible.

On August 5, I will participate for the first time in a competition: the Georges d'Heedene competition in Zulte. I have also sold a number of works to acquaintances and friends.

Everything is still a bit in its infancy, but I continue to practice weekly to perfect my works.