Women who inspire us: Cate Adriana
Who is Cate Adriana?
My full name is Cathelijne Biskop, an autodidact Artist (30) from the Netherlands with a passion for painting.
Can you tell us a little bit about your family?
I grew up in a small village in Brabant, on a beautiful farm surrounded by nature. I am the second youngest of five children. I am proud of my parents for the way they raised us. The house (and the pantry) was always full. Of course, that also led to arguments and chaos, but also a lot of love and fun. I have a close relationship with my sisters. Most of the time my sisters, friends and I were playing outside, building huts.
Nowadays I live in Breda with my fiancé and two year old son Fedja James.
Can you tell us more about your passion for art, illustration and where it all started?
I have always been busy with drawing and artistic projects. Yet I never went to Art School because I was afraid of losing my individuality. That makes me an autodidact artist.
When I finally had the guts to show my work on Instagram years ago, customers immediately came around.
I am visually orientated and always have a lot of ideas. But sometimes it works against me. When there is chaos in my mind I often take a moment to meditate. For a couple of years I have my own art studio and customers can visit me there by appointment. I love this place so much. My dreamworld.
What is your biggest source of inspiration?
Mainly mother nature. Look around you! Autumn and all its colours, breathtaking!
Architecture and Design also inspire me. Buildings, landscapes, ceramics and so on..
Most fun part about your job?
I love to shut myself off from the outside world. When I work I listen to music - completely in my own world.
Besides the fact that I make what I want to make. Moreover I have been able to turn my hobby/passion into my work makes me very grateful. Even though being an artist for a living is not always easy. You have to work really hard for it.
How do you usually spend your mornings when you just jump out of your sheets?
My fiance has to go to work very early in the morning. When Fedja and I wake up we go downstairs. I drink a cup of tea while Fedja is playing with his toys and we have breakfast together. The morning runs at a more leisurely pace when Fedja doesn’t have to go to daycare.
You have a little son, how do you combine your career with spending enough time with him?
Fedja goes to a fantastic childcare center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. two days a week and my boyfriend is home with him 1 day a week. I also work regularly in the evening or on weekends. It works very well this way and we spend a lot of time together.
Have you changed since you became a mother?
Since I am a mother I am more aware of my energy and to whom I want to spend it. I don't feel guilty if I reject a date. Of course the world feels more vulnerable than before, but that also encourages me to do good things (with charities to give an example) for people and children who need it so badly.
How did you and your hub met?
At a festival, now almost 10,5 years ago. That festival itself was not that exciting. After this we started, chatting, dating, dancing, and we got into a relationship. He always supports me, no matter what. Next year we are getting married, it will be a very small and private wedding.
How do you balance your career and quality time with your love?
We just plan this. If we go out my parents or dear sister Mirthe and her boyfriend come over to take care of Fedja (which is a party). I think it’s very important to have quality time together with your love, to keep the flame burning ;-)
What is the most important lesson you learned in life?
There are several of them. But certainly; be open to the good.
You live in the south of the Netherlands. How would you describe this part of the country?
I love living here. Breda is a city with a great atmosphere. We live close to the center, but in a quiet neighborhood. If we move, this would probably be in an even more quiet environment, surrounded by nature, as in the old days.
What do you like the most of living here?
Not being surrounded by thousands of tourists, haha!
Anything else you’d like to share with us?
Sleep well under your Crisp Sheets and be kind to each other ;-)
Photo's by: Tessa Letort