Gerrit Jan van den Toorn
I had the honor of creating and presenting this portrait to Gerrit Jan van den Toorn, a manager who has impressed and inspired me immensely.
Gerrit Jan has meant a lot for me and my career, as well as for others at the department. Whether a person is technically, strategically or creatively talented, he has a way of recognizing that and letting people flourish by giving them and their initiatives opportunities, support and above all trust.
As a token of appreciation I have created this symbolic portrait for him. The eye is drawn to the flourishing flower first because its color stands out. Second, the viewer notices that Gerrit Jan is nourishing it, taking care of it. He is making it possible for the flower to grow. Third, there is a whole field of flowers, who symbolize the colleagues at the department, that he has been working for years to let them grow in to their own, with attention and trust. No ego.
I consider it an honor to have worked for Gerrit Jan and I hope his new colleagues appreciate their luck in getting to work with him.
