November 2021

Open Days IJmuiden

In the weekend of November 18-21 I there will be open days in my studio in the old harbor of IJmuiden. We are open from 11-18.00 An overview of many photos from various travels around the world in colorful wooden frames.

More then welcome!

If you want to see already some works :

shop.mirjambleeker.nl

 

December 2020

Holland Herald

 

In the Holland Herald of December and January attention for my new webshop : shop.mirjambleeker.nl

When Dutch travel photographer Mirjam Bleeker was forced to stay home for most of 2020, she decided to dive into her archives. Bleeker selected some of her favourite travel images and put them up for sale. The images are printed on high-quality paper and come with a special frame in a vibrant colour, hand-painted by Bleeker. Buyers can select their favourite frame colour online. The prints come with a little booklet containing background information about the image.

 

December 2020

New webshop : shop.mirjambleeker.nl

 

Since today I got a new extra site.

Where you can order a picture of me in a homemade wooden frame, painted in a color that can be found in the photo.

Now that traveling and experiencing the unknown is limited for most of us, I decided to share the pictures I made during so many years.

So that everyone can experience a part of my journey at home.

 

November 2020

Conde Nast Traveller USA

Also in the Conde Nast Traveller USA this month a report of our South Africa book : South Africa - a Road Trip

 

November 2020

Conde Nast Traveller UK

In the Conde Nast Traveller UK this month an extensive report of our South Africa book : South Africa - a Road Trip

 

March 2020

Argentina and Uruquay

Just back from an amazing trip through my favourite countries Argentina and Uruquay.

We photographed the house of Mercedes Hernáez & Alejandro Sticotti in Buenos Aires and their holiday house in La Pedrera - Uruquay.

 

March 2020

Columbus Magazine

In Columbus Magazine our walking safari in Kenia - Laikipia.

An unforgettable experience !

 

January 2020

Columbus Magazine

We made a customized trip through India last year.

In this issue of Columbus Magazine a reportage of a part of this trip with the focus of the world of the Maharadja's.

 

December 2019

Vogue Living

24 pages of the Iron Lady in Amsterdam - the boat of Birgitta de Vos

Here you can see the whole reportage

 

November / December 2019

Columbus Travel Magazine

In this Dutch Travel magazine a huge reportage about our new book South Africa - a Road Trip.

 

2 November 2019

TROUW newspaper - letter & geest

Today in the TROUW newspaper a nice article about our new South Africa book.

 

27 October 2019

Booklaunch - Open huis

Last Sunday was the booklaunch of our new book South Africa - a Road Trip in our studio In Waterland.

 

5 October 2019

Volkskrant Magazine

Today in the Dutch Newspapers - magazine - a reportage about Frank and me in our studio In Waterland.

 

October 2019

Vogue Living

26 pages of Roelof van Wyk's house in Joburg - South Africa

Here you can see the whole reportage

 

September 2019

South Africa - a Road Trip

 

We have a new book !!!!

 

"An ode to magnificent discoveries and meeting new friends"

The past 20 years, photographer Mirjam Bleeker and stylist Frank Visser have travelled around the world together many times. They prefer to travel without a fixed plan, so they can be surprised by unexpected adventures and encounters. A few years ago they fell in love with South Africa. This book is an ode to South Africa's stunning nature and its people. It's areport of Mirjam and Frank's road trip along the coasts and through the inland, passing vast nature reserves and bustling cities.

South Africa - A Road Trip holds beautiful photo's of these inspiring people and their homes, as well as breathtaking photos of nature scenes. With the book also comes a little practical guide in the form of a seperate booklet, with addresses and tips.

to order the book : www.lusterweb.com

 

 

July / August 2019

Elle Decor Italy

 

We got the cover of the summer issue of ELLE Decor Italy with Aman House in Shela - Lamu

Also 12 pages inside the issue with this beautiful house of Sandy Bornman

 

June 2019

Elle Decor Italy

 

In the Italian ELLE Decor our reportage of the Bunny Allen House in Shela - Lamu

 

Juni 2019

Vogue Living

 

36 pages of Sandy Bornmans house in Shela - Lamu

Here you can see the whole reportage

 

 

January 2019

Vogue Living

 

Beautiful reportage in the Vogue Living from Shu Shu house - Taiwan - 30 pages

Here you can see the whole reportage

 

 

Winter 2018 - 2019

Flying Dutchman

.

In the winter issue from Flying Dutchman Magazine a reportage of Shoreditch - London

 

October 2018

Holland Herald / KLM

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In the October issue from Holland Herald my reportage of the Costa Brava

 

April 2018

Vogue Living

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24 pages in the Vogue Living - Couvaloup - the house and B7B of Laurent Bayard in Hopefield - South Africa

You can find the whole reportage here

 

April 2018

Happinez

 

Together with actrice Julika Marijn I went to Lamu last year to make a reportage about the Dutch Monika Fauth. Beautiful trip with 2 beautiful ladies.

Hereby the publication.

 

March 2018

Sweets Hotel - Amsterdam

 

In March opened Sweets Hotel. An unique project from the owners of LLoyd hotel.

You can stay in one of the bridge house, which they transformed into a hotelroom. There will be 28 houses all over Amsterdam. The first 11 houses just opened . I photographed all the houses and their interiors.

An absolute fantastic experience when you want to visit Amsterdam.

www.sweetshotel.amsterdam

 

February 2018

The Weekender

 

Beautiful reportage in the Weekender from Shu Shu house - Taiwan.

 

December 2017

Travel-Report

 

For our travel-report newsletter we take you to a few places we visited last year, which surprised us and took some silly prejudices away.

Like Tenerife - we were touched by the rough beauty of the scenery of the northern tip of the island.

 

 

And we also travelled for 2 weeks through Iran for Holland Herald Magazine. This reportage will probably appear in their magazine in the Summer of 2018.

Around that time we will also show much more of this amazing trip on travel-report.

 

December 2017

Vogue Living

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24 pages in the Vogue Living - Santa Catarina - the vacation house of Emmanuel Picault in Tepotzlan - Mexico

You can find the whole reportage here

 

December 2017

Holland Herald Magazine

 

Johannesburg in the Holland Herald KLM.

 

November 2017

Virtuoso Life Magazine

 

My reportage of Amsterdam's fine-dining in Virtuoso Life Magazine - USA

 

August 2017

Vogue Living

 

In the dutch Vogue Living our reportage of the house of photographer Thirza Schaap and her family in Cape Town - South Africa

24 pages - You will find the whole publication here

 

August 2017

The Weekender

 

In the anniversary issue of The Weekender the house of Carolyn and Mariano in Garzon - Uruquay

 

August 2017

Volkskrant Magazine

 

The house of Marco Tagliaro in the Volkskrant Magazine.

August 2017

RUM magazine

 

Our reportage of the house of Susan and Leo Coolen in Tenerife in RUM magazine

 

July 2017

The Good Life

 

In the French magazine The Good Life an article about the house of Susan and Leo Coolen in Tenerife

 

June 2017

Elle Decor - Italy

 

The Italian Elle Decor published a huge reportage of our South African trip in their June issue.

12 pages of the house of Roelof van Wyk and 8 pages of Johannesburg - travel story.

You will find the whole publication here

 

June 2017

Milk Decoration

 

Santa Catarina - the house of Emmanuel Picault in Mexico - Tepotzlan in Milk Decoration

 

June 2017

Openhouse magazine

 

Siu Siu Lab in Openhouse magazine

 

June 2017

South Africa - Elle Decoration - Kliphuis

 

During our trip in South Africa we stayed in Kliphuis - in the Karoo. The house of Charlotte Daneel in the Sneeuberg Nature Reserve.

The South Afraican Elle Decoraion published our story in their June issue - 12 pages

The house is also for rent : perfect hideaways

 

June 2017

Harpers Bazaar

 

A story of our trip to Taiwan - Taipei in the Harpers Bazaar

 

February - March 2017

South Africa

 

Frank and I went on a trip to south afica for 2 weeks and made about 7 new reportages.

Tt was so inspiring .. especially also Johannesburg. This city became so trendy, hip, colorful .. and the people are amazing !

We also photographed the house of Roelof Petrus van Wyk in Joburg, the house of photographer Thirza Schaap and Braz Feskens in Cape Town and the house and B&B Couvaloup of Laurent Bayard in Hopefield ( about 2 hour drive from Cape town ),

We drove through the Karoo and stayed in 2 houses of Perfect Hideaways and we visited the Owl House of Helen Martin in Nieu Bethesda

 

Johannesburg - travel story

 

Johannesburg - Roelof Petrus van Wyk - interior

 

Cape Town - Thirza Schaap and Braz Feskens - interior

 

Couvaloup - Laurent Bayard - interior

April 2017

Holland Herald Photo Competition

 

Holland Herald Magazine asked me to be part of the jury for their annual photo competition.

Now in their April issue.

 

April 2017

Holland Herald Magazine

 

In the April issue of the Holland Herald Magazine - KLM our Taipei story..

 

March 2017

Vogue Living

 

Susan Coolen and her family got a family house on the coast in Tenerife - now 24 pages of their house in the Dutch Vogue Living

Hereby some of the pages. The whole story on publications

 

28 December 2016

Elle Decoration South Africa

 

A very nice article about our new book Close to Nature on the website of the South African Elle Decoration.

 

November 2016

Weekender

 

The house of Noortje and Jorn in The Weekender.

 

November 2016

Kinfolk website - book Close to Nature

 

Our new book 'Close to Nature' and the weekend home of Emmanuel Picault and Ludwig Godefroy - Santa Catarina on the new website of Kinfolk magazine.

 

 

November 2016

Kinfolk magazine

 

'At work with Laurent Martin'in Kinfolk magazine.

 

November 2016

Elle Decor - Taipei

 

Our trip to Taipei in the November issue of Elle Decor Italy.

 

October 2016

Close to Nature

 

We just launched our new book Close to Nature.

'Like their previous book At the Ocean, which was published 2 years ago, Close to Nature is an ode to homes with a personal touch, which have been designed with profound respect for nature that surrounds them, and to the inspiring people who have opened their doors to them.'

You can order it here

 

October 2016

Vogue Living

 

The house of Carouschka Streiffert in Sweden in the second issue of Vogue Living. 18 pages .. wonderful publication.

 

October 2016

KLM Holland Herald

 

Also in the October issue of the Holland Herald magazine. This time with San Francisco.

 

September 2016

Conde Nast Traveller - Turkey

 

My Mozambique reportage in the Turkish Conde Nast Traveller.

 

September 2016

KLM Holland Herald

 

My reportage of East london - Shoreditch in all the KLM planes. Holland Herald - September issue.

 

July 2016

Virtuoso Life Magazine

 

For the American Virtuoso Life Magazine a reportage of biking in Amsterdam and the tulips.

 

July 2016

RUM interior

 

12 pages of Santa Catarina - Mexico in the Danish RUM interior magazine

 

May 2016

TAIWAN - Taipei

 

For China Airlines we went to Taiwan to photograph the country, the people and some interesting interiors. We were so surprised by the overwhelming nature and the wonderful people. Really an undiscovered piece of Asia which is absolutely worth to explore.

We started in the capital Taipei.

 

 

One of the highlights to photograph was Siu Siu Lab of Divooe Zen Architects in Taipei.

 

May 2016

ELLE decoracion Mexico

 

The house of Eline Strijkers in the ELLE decoracion - Mexico

 

April 2016

Conde Nast Traveller Russia

 

Mozambique story in the Russian Conde Nast Traveller

 

February 2016

Conde Nast Traveller Spain

 

Antigua story in the Spanish Conde Nast Traveller

 

22 January 2016

Mexico - Guatemala

 

Just back from an amazing trip through Mexico and Guatemala.

We started in Mexico city where we photographed the house of Emmanuel Picault and Ludwig Godefroy called Santa Catarina, close to Tepotzlan.

 

December 2015

Conde Nast Traveller

 

In the January 2016 issue I got the cover and 10 pages of beautiful Mozambique

More pictures of Mozambique

 

December 2015

South African Elle Decoration

 

Beautiful reportage of the House of Erik Pol in the South African Elle Decoration

 

November 2015

Conde Nast Traveller

 

In the latest November issue my publication of Antiqua.

So colorful

 

October 2015

KLM - Holland Herald - Buenos Aires

 

Buenos Aires in KLM's Holland Herald

 

November 2015

the Weekender

 

The house of Andres Ferreyra in Cabo Polonio

 

October 2015

Happi Home

 

Nice publication of the house of Carolyn and Mariano in Pueblo Garzon - Uruquay

 

October 2015

Harper's Bazaar - Escape

 

In the October issue my publication of San Juan - Argentina

 

October 2015

KLM - Holland Herald

 

Bogota in KLM's Holland Herald

 

 

27 September 2015

Slideluck Amsterdam

 

This Sunday at 17.00 slideluck Amsterdam.

Here you can find more information and buy tickets.

 

23 August 2015

The New York Times Style Magazine

 

Publication of the house and studio of Dutch design couple Scholten & Baijings.

July 2015

Elle Decoration

 

Our San Francisco trip in the Dutch Elle Decoration

 

July 2015

Conde Nast Traveller - Mozambique

 

I went for the Conde Nast Traveller to Mozambique and had the chance to fly in an helicopter over the colorful sea during low tide.
I've never seen this natural bauty before.

The story will appear in the island issue beginning next year.

May 2015

Kinfolk Home

 

The house of Gabriel Sierra and Delcy Morelos in the new book KINFOLK - HOME

 

April 2015

Conde Nast Traveller - Antigua

 

I went for the Conde Nast Traveller to Antigua in the Carib. A little preview ...

 

March 2015

ARGENTINA

 

Just back from an incredible trip through Uruquay - Argentina.
The feeling of good old times.

I visited this country so many times and especially because of the people and the landscapes it is every time again a special experience.

Special thanks to my lovely Argentine friends Nora, Silvestre, Pia, Delfina, Nicolas, Rafa, Andres y Marcela.

 

January 2015

HOLLAND HERALD - KLM

 

In the January issue of the Holland Herald - inflight magazine of the KLM - 8 pages Rio de Janeiro.

 

November 2014

TEXAS - MARFA

 

Just back from an amazing road trip through Texas, New Mexico and San Francisco.
We started in MARFA - An art oasis in a desert town.

More pictures

 

 

San Francisco

More pictures

 

October 2014

LIBECO - new brochure

 

I work since years for Libeco, a Belgium company where they sell unique linen products.
For the new winter collection we photographed in an abandoned storage house.

 

August 2014

STAPHORST - EXHIBITION MUSEUM STAPHORST

 

From the 1st of august I have a photo exhibition in Museum Staphorst.

This exhibition shows pictures from my book 'IN STAPHORST
About 20 years ago I spent about 2 years in this traditional village where the Staphorsters allowed me to photograph themselves in and around their houses.

August 2014

COVER Conde Nast Traveller - Menorca

 

I got the cover of the August issue of the Conde Nast Traveller and also 8 pages publication Menorca.

See : Conde Nast Traveller

 

August 2014

HOLLAND HERALD - KLM

 

In the August issue of the Holland Herald - inflight magazine of the KLM - an announcement about my book 'IN STAPHORST'.

 

August 2014

ELLE DECOR ITALY

 

In the August summer issue of the Italian ELLE DECOR 8 pages about our new book 'AT THE OCEAN'.

See : Elle Decor

 

 

August 2014

ELLE DECOR ITALY

 

In the August summer issue of the Italian ELLE DECOR 16 pages Colombia. The summerhouse of architects Guillermo Arias and Luis Cuartas in Honda and the new Click Clack hotel in Bogota.

See : Elle Decor

 

July 2014

NEW BOOK : AT THE OCEAN

 

For more than 18 years me and designer Frank Visser have travelled around the world together, often without a fixed plan, seeking adventure and beautiful houses. On our travels, we visited the homes and holiday retreats of some fascinating people on or at the beaches of various oceans and seas.

Thanks to Luster publishing and graphic designer Madeleine Wermendol we could make this beautiful book on which I'm very proud.

This book is for lovers of interior design, but also for travellers and for everyone who likes to dream of a life elsewhere.

For more info : Luster publishing
And for a look at the book : www.mirjambleeker.nl

 

19 June 2014

Russian Revival in FOUR SEASONS MAGAZINE

 

In the latest issue of the Four Seasons Magazine my publication about Russian Food in moscow.

Also on their website : A Russian culinary revival

 

28 April 2014

Dusschera Festival in India

 

Heritage Travel is organizing a unique trip with me as a professional photographer and Arie Jan Laan as experienced tour operator.
This 16-day tour takes you along various locations of the Hindu festival Dusshera.

For more info : Heritage Travel

 

11 April 2014

Conde Nast Traveller - Koh Lanta

 

Koh Lanta in the May issue of the Conde Nast Traveller

 

11 February 2014

just back from Colombia ....

 

We are just back from Colombia where we met some wonder-ful and inspiring people. After many years of insecurity the country is now ready to be explored. It has so many beautiful places to discover.

We photographed the house of Simón Vélez, the famous architect who works with bamboo, the vacation house of Guillermo Arias and Luis Cuartas in Honda, a rural village about a 4 hour drive from Bogota, the apartment of artists Gabriel Sierra and Delcy Morelos in downtown Bogota, a wonderful hotel on the beach close to Santa Marta called Barlovento and the new Click Clack hotel in Bogota.

Thanks to our wonderful friend Mariana Shuk who helped us so much and introduced us to all of these wonderful people.

House of Simón Vélez in Bogota

Vacation house of architects Guillermo Arias and Luis Cuartas in Honda

Honda village

Barlovento close to Santa Marta

Click Clack hotel in Bogota

22 January 2014

NEW BOOK RELEASED - IN STAPHORST

 

YES!! a new book! 'IN STAPHORST'.

Full with pictures which I took about 20 years ago.When I was around 28 years old I spent 2 years in this traditional village in Holland. The people allowed me in their houses and personal life. The result was for years hidden in my cupboard. Now W-Books has published it.

More info and to order

 

17 January 2014

AT THE OCEAN - inspiring coastal homes around the world

 

In the new brochure of Luster Publishers an announcement of our new book 'AT THE OCEAN' which will appear in the spring.
A book which I made together with Frank Visser and which will include many reportages of vacation houses we made through the years.
A book for interior lovers but also for travelers and anyone who wants to dream about a life elsewhere

 

11 November 2013

Stentor newspaper

 

Today a big interview about me and my new book called 'IN STAPHORST' which will appear in January

 

28 September 2013

Volkskrant magazine

 

Today 5 pages in the 'VOLKSKRANT MAGAZINE' of the studio of Pieke Bergmans in Tilburg

 

August 2013

Rio de Janeiro

 

Just back from Brasil. First to Sao Paul for the Design fair and after that we had time to rent a car to drive to Rio.

We arrived in Santa Teresa on the 18th of August. All the art galleries in this Bohemian neighbourhood opened their doors this weekend. Lots op people and music in the streets. A beautiful arrival !

Bar Do Arnoudo in Santa Teresa famed for quality dishes from Brazil's north-east.

Ipanema beach.

July / August 2013

The Weekender

 

Every 3 months appears 'The Weekender'. An independant magazine about Living, Travel, Food and Nature.
In this issue our feature about the houseboat of Arne van Herk and Sabien de Kleijn.

www.the-weekender.com

 

 

 

 

 

Summer 2013

Book vacation homes

 

This summer we are going to photograph several special vacation homes for our new book which will appear next spring.
We will visit Spain, Tenerife, Portugal and Italy.

Already a small taste of a house we recently photographed in Senegal.

 

April 2013

Koh Lanta

 

A taste of another beautiful story that I have just made for the Conde Nast Traveller. This time in Thailand - Koh Lanta.
It will most likely appear in the September issue this year.

 

 

April 2013

Thailand - Koh Lanta - Muay Thai

 

During our trip in Koh Lanta, Jimmy .. the leisure man of hotel Layana, took us for an evening Thai boxing in town.
What an experience !!

To see all the pictures

 

 

4 April 2013

on the cover of the Conde Nast Traveller

 

I have the cover of the latest issue of the English Conde Nast Traveller. Today in the bookstores. Inside my story about Alacati in Turkey.

 

4 April 2013

Conde Nast Traveller - Alacati

 

Today in the bookstores. 8 pages about Alacati in the English Conde Nast Traveller. A new unkown spot on the coast close to Izmir.

 

 

March 2013

publication HOME magazine

 

The Italian 'HOME magazine' publishes 12 pages on Studiomie.
Beautiful, thanks !

More information about Studiomie and their wonderful B&B : www.studiomie.be

NU architectuuratelier : www.nu-web.be/

 

February 2013

Wonderbag - Happinez

 

For a story for Happinez magazine I went to Kenya to Laikipia.
We went to do a story about 'the wonderbag'.
A beautiful initiative by a South African lady called Sarah Collins.

A Wonderbag is an insulated bag in which people can cook anything from meaty stews or vegetable curries to simple rice and soups. You heat up your pot of food on the stove, kick-starting the cooking process, and then place it in the Wonderbag.

"It works. It’s happening. It changes lives. It makes practical, environmental and commercial sense."
Sarah Collins

The whole article will appear in the new Happinez special - 'happi food' which appears in April.

www.nb-wonderbag.com

 

January 2013

Belgium

 

A new interior.
The home and studio of Fien Muller and Hannes Walraven.
An artist - designers couple from Gent, Belgium. 

Here you will find the whole story

 

January 2013

Senegal trip

 

Untamed Travelling is a customized specialist for trips to Africa, the Indian Ocean and Latin America.
They organize a trip where you go with me as a photographer.

It will be in May to Senegal.

Here you will find more information

 

December 2012

'Muine' magazine - Korea

 

The Korean magazine 'MUINE' published a small article about Pieke's Metamorphosis.

 

4 - 9 December 2012

MIAMI beach

 

DESIGN MIAMI

I photographed the work of Pieke Bergmans 'METAMORPHOSIS' during the Design Miami fair on Miami Beach.
She had a solo exhibition presented by Venice Projects.

www.piekebergmans.com

 

 

3 November 2012

Staphorst

 

20 years ago I started my career in Staphorst. I photographed this village during 2 years. From a cautious approach and taking time, people allowed me in their homes and lives.
I made a portrait of a village where time seemed to stand still.

Since today there is a website, on which you will find all the material ever appeared about this traditional village in Holland.

'Staphorst in beeld'

 

 

28 October 2012

Knokke

 

Today is the launching of the new book of Luster.

'North Sea Living'

A book with 15 different interiors along the Northsea, in Belgium and Holland.
I photographed the 2 interiors in Holland, Vlieland.

Here you will find more information about the book

 

.

 

September 2012

Grazia CASA

 

In the September issue of the Grazia CASA a whole page about our book 'Dutch architects and their houses'

 

September 2012

Four Seasons Magazine

 

The new 'Four Seasons Magazine' is out with 12 pages of my trip to Geneva and la Chaux de Fonds. All about watchmaking.

 

 

 

 

 

 

August 2012

RUM interior

 

In the August issue of RUM interior 9 pages with the house of Eline Strijkers

 

 

 

 

 

August 2012

Alacati

 

For the English 'Conde Nast Traveler' I went to Alacati in Turkey.
An 'undiscovered' lovely place along the coast.

Probably be published in the spring.

 

August 2012

Australia

 

In the latest issue of the Australian 'Vogue Living' a very nice announcement about our architects book.
Thanks a lot !

'DUTCH ARCHITECTS AND THEIR HOUSES by Mirjam Bleeker ( Luster )

Here, 16 Dutch architects and designers in urban and rural dwellings, old or newly built, tell of the elements that made these into their own homes. What shines through on every page is a sense of cohesion and harmony from thoughtful attention to the placement of every detail.'

 

6 August 2012

Uganda

 

With four of my best friends I went for a big trip through Uganda for 3 weeks.
Today we are going to meet the gorilla's in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in the Southwest of Uganda.
A 2 hour walk steeply high up in the mountains brings us to the 'Mubare group'. A young group of 6 gorillas with one silverback

More pictures of our trip

July 2012

Barcelona

 

In June I was in Barcelona and met Andrew Trotter, the owner of a fantastic blog which I'm following for a while.
We chatted and I gave him our book as a present.
In July he surprised me with this piece on his blog.

Thank you so much Andrew

www.openhousebcn.com

 

July 2012

The Netherlands

 

In the latest issue of 'Happinez' our story about the Achuar in the Amazone - Equador

 

 

 

 

 

June 2012

Porto

I photographed the hotel 'Casa Do Conto' in Porto.
The stunning result of a restoration project that converted a 19th century middle class home in Porto, Portugal, to an exclusive and bespoke urban hotel.

The dutch ELLE DECORATION is going to publish it in their December issue

 

June 2012

Amsterdam

 

I photographed the work of Pieke Bergmans
In the June issue of the 'Residence' 6 pages and a nice piece about our 'Mamita' book.

 

 

 

 

11 May 2012

Amsterdam

 

Yesterday we had the book presentation of our new book 'Dutch architects and their houses' .
Almost all the architects came to see the result.

 

Sabien de Kleijn and Jeroen van Schooten

Herman Hertzberger

Marc Verhagen of Luster publishing

10 May 2012

Amsterdam

 

Today is going to be our book launching at Studio IJM in Amsterdam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can order the book through www.lusterweb.com

17 April 2012

Amsterdam

 

Today appeared a wonderful publication about our 'Mamita' book on the online version of one of our biggest newspapers.

De Telegraaf

 

16 April 2012

Antwerp

On the website of Luster you can already have a look inside our new book.
I'm very happy with it. It became a beautiful mix of inspiring houses.

There is already an possibility to order the book.

 

13 April 2012

Amsterdam

The info sheet about our new book 'Dutch architects and their houses'.

 

10 April 2012

Amsterdam

They are printing my next book about 'Dutch architects and their houses'.

WOW !!! Two books in a few months.

This will be the cover

 

29 March 2012

Amsterdam

Especially for this project and book I made my first movie.

Here you can have a look

 

30 March 2012

Amsterdam

The book presentation yesterday was a big success.
About 200 people came to see us in the M-Lab in Amsterdam.
It was overwhelming all these reactions and so many books have been sold.
Thanks a lot for that !

 

www.mamitahelena.com

 

The proceeds of this book go directly to the children, to the schools, to the doctors of Niños del Arco Iris. This way you give something back to life as well.

 

Inez van Oord, Mirjam Bleeker, Pieke Bergmans and Jet Bergmans

Helena van Engelen with her grandchildren.

 

photographs : Wouter Jansen

29 March 2012

Amsterdam

Today our book 'MAMITA' will be launched.

 

Mother of a valley of children

 

Journalist Inez van Oord and photographer Mirjam Bleeker went to stay with Mamita Helena for thirty days.At Niños del Arco Iris, a project for forgotten children in Urubamba.
Their friends, designer Pieke Bergmans and artist Jet Bergmans went with them.

Four women leave for Peru with the idea or putting together a book for Helena, or rather about her and her project.
Infected by Helena's motto 'I want to give back to life' the four women give it back to the paper; one through impressively beautiful photographs, another in mysteriously beautiful drawings; the third visualizes a dream full of symbols and the fourth writes it all down. This book is the result of their collaboration with Helena.

 

Dutch version available in the Happinez webshop or in the bookstore :
ISBN 9789029585132

For the English version please send an email to info@mirjambleeker.nl

 

The proceeds of this book go directly to the children, to the schools, to the doctors of Niños del Arco Iris. This way you give something back to life as well.

14 March 2012

Amsterdam

Press - picture

 

 

Jet Bergmans, Pieke Bergmans, Inez van Oord, Mirjam Bleeker, Helena van Engelen

photograph : Wouter Jansen

19 March 2012

Amsterdam

 

Our press page for Mamita : het boek Mamita

20 February 2012

Utrecht

Today we went to the printing company where at the moment our book 'MAMITA' is pressed

 

 

2 February 2012

Kemzeke - Verbeke foundation

 

A very special place in Belgium near Antwerp

 

www.verbekefoundation.com

 

 

3 December 2011

Hotel 'The Exchange'

 

I photographed the new 'Exchange Hotel'.
Today it is the opening .
A hotel with a special love of fashion. Students of the Amsterdam Fashion institute dressed the rooms like models on the catwalk.
The result: a hotel where architecture meets fashion.

 

www.exchangeamsterdam.com

 

14 November 2011

Amsterdam

Back home from this incredible trip.
I want to ask everybody to sign for 'Rights of Nature'. It is strange to believe, but so far only human rights exist. This organization is really wortwhile. I've been there, seen it and they do amazing work!

 

 

'Value Nature as a living being, Say YES to Right of Nature! ' - The Petition Site

www.thepetitionsite.com

3 November 2011

Ti'inkias

Today we meet the Achuar, we are drinking together their staple manioc beverage, chicha, we learn about their daily life and customs, and we hike through the verdant forest.
In the evening I participated in a traditional ceremony with an elder Achuar Shaman. Called ayahuasca (natem).
Quite an adventure.

The story of our trip will appear next year in Happinez.
If you want to know about these trips you can visit the Pachamama website - www.pachamamajourneys.org

 

 

 

2 November 2011

Ecuador

 

'The Pachamama Alliance was born in response to a request from the achuar, an indigenous people deep in the Amazon region of Ecuador.
The achuar made the courageous decision to seek a partnership with people from the industrialized world who would work with them in protecting their rainforst home and their traditional way of life.
Out of this unique partnership, it has become evident that indigenous wisdom and insight offer enormous value in addressing the complex issues that we face in our modern world.'

This organisation gives travel opportunities to visit the Achuar in the rainforest.
And that is what we did. We went there and met these amazing people.
We drove to the town of Shell where we took a 45-minute flight deep into the Amazon rainforest and the Achuar village of Chichirat.
From there we walked into the forest till the river. A short motorized canoe took us down the Bobonaza river to the village of Ti'inkias, where we stayed in a community-based rustic lodge.

 

 

October 2011

Amsterdam

We made a teaser as announcement for our coming book 'Mamita'
It is about the project of Helena van Engelen in Peru

here you can watch it

 

29 September 2011

Israel

For the first time in Israel, together with journalist Lisette Thooft. 
A country that hosts two different nations; the Israeli and the Palestians, that both believe they are the rightful owners of Israel.
The subject of this journey covered a meeting with groups that are striving to live 'together' with both the Israelis and the Palestinians 'in peace'. 
Beautiful encounters with people who despite all the negative, deconstructive and violent oppositions, every day are trying to promote peace and equality for a harmful society. 

The article will appear in the December issue of Happinez. 

 

Dvora Pearlman , who organized 'The Jerusalem Hug' in between a group of young Israeli who are walking at the moment from the North of Israel to Jerusalem, where they will arrive in a few weeks.
A kind of piilgrimage, and they hope that many people will accompany them on their way.

If you want to follow them : http://www.facebook.com/groups/244642938911652/

10 July 2011

Boisbuchet

I went to a very special place in France close to Limoges.

Domaine de Boisbuchet

An idyllic country estate where they give every summer interesting workshops under the direction of internationally recognised artists, designers and architects.
This is in cooperation with the Centre Georges Pompidou and Vitra Design Museum

 

 

June 2011

Taschen

The second issue of 'INTERIORS NOW' is out.
And I'm in.
With the interior of Wilbert Das in Trancoso - Brasil.

 

June 2011

Dutch Architects and Their Houses

A Belgium publisher asked me to me make the new book about 'Dutch Architects and Their Houses'
The Belgium version came out in the beginning of this year and is a success.

'Belgische architecten en hun huis'

We are starting photographing now and it will appear next year.
Together with Frank Visser.We made already a very nice selection of interesting Dutch architects.

 

May 2011

Four Seasons magazine

I'm in 'issue one' of the travel issue with 'Mirjam's Japan'
This is a magazine wich you can find in all Four Seasons Hotels all over the world.

You can find the whole article in the 'publications'

 

 

9 May 2011

Urubamba

Pieke gave a workshop for all the students and the teachers of the project.
She told them about her work as a designer and worked with them together on a beautiful object.
During the whole week the local welder came to realise 'el sueno ' ... 'the dream' ..
A gift to the foundation.

8 May 2011

Chinchero - mother's day

Today we went to Chinchero. A small Andean Indian village about 45 minutes from Urubamba.We were lucky because it was mother's day, and this day is very important in the Andes.
On sunday you got the colourful Sunday market, so we were double lucky.
Everywhere people sitting together ,eating ,drinking and celebrating.

 

2 May 2011

Machu Picchu

We went for 2 days by train to the Machu Picchu. Already the trip by train was such an adventure.
Sitting in the train where the most beautiful scenery pass you by,
and where you even more slowly disappears into the mountains and eventually ends up in the middle of the jungle. That is where the Machu Picchu is situated.

30 April 2011

Urubamba

Every saturday the mamma's are coming to the project to work
with Helena on bracelets and other jewelry. This will be sold and
and the mamma's will get paid for every piece they make.

 

28 April 2011

Urubamba

'Ninos del arco Iris' is a place where young people can have a change
to learn a job in the hotelworld, computer, electricidad and as a tailor.

.... and where the small children of the valley can come every
afternoon, to have a shower, to have a meal and to get extra lessons.

A Peruvian doctor, a dentist and a nurse take care of all the medical
care. On the project there is a place where the people can come to see
the doctor and the dentist. Every Tuesday and Thursday they go to
the people's homes to advice the family in their home situation, hygiene,
living situation and keep the house clean.There is a whole programm
developed for this.

 

27 April 2011

Urubamba

 

Helena decided to start her project in Urubamba. A small village where
the people are very poor, children don't have a future and where the people drink chicha , a homemade fermented drink which is pure alcohol.

 

26 April 2011

Sacred Valley

Arriving at 'Ninos del Arco Iris'. The impressive foundation of Helena van Engelen.

 

26 April 2011

Sacred Valley

Arriving in the middle of the Andes with the most amazing skies.

25 April 2011

Peru

Today I'm leaving to Peru.
We are going to stay 4 weeks with my very good friend Helena van Engelen,
who lives since 10 years in 'The Sacred Valley' in Urubamaba.
She started an incredible big project overthere for the poorest children,
young adults and single mothers of the Sacred Valley.
Every day dozens of children get food, education and medical care.

www.kuychi.org

I went to her already twice, but this time it will be for a special reason.
We want to make a book and maybe a documentary about the work she does.

I am not going alone. Together with Inez van Oord, Pieke Bergmans, and
Jet Bergmans. Journalist, designer and artist.

The idea is go with 4 women , to make a book about the 5th one.
A very special lady with a very special mission in life ...

11 March 2011

Amsterdam

The new issue of the Dutch 'ELLE DECORATION' is out !
10 pages of the LLOVE hotel in Tokyo ..

 

24 February 2011

Brasil - Trancoso - UXUA hotel

Last year I was in Brasil and photographed the wonderful 'UXUA' hotel in Trancoso.
Today they launched their new website, and I'm one of the photographers who made a photo - canvas for them.

uxua casa hotel

 

 

21 January 2011

Amsterdam

 

A solo exhibition of Pieke Bergmans

'Still Waters Run Deep'

At Gallery Art Affairs - Veemkade 354 - Amsterdam
The opening will be on January 21st, from 17-19:00 hrs.

 

2 January 2011

Netherlands - Laren

 

At Meker atelier in Laren you can find some of my blow ups.

 

 

 

 

17 December 2010

Amsterdam

It is snowing !!!!!

 

26 November 2010

Djanet

Tonight we had the chance to enjoy the music of the famous tuareg band 'Nabil Othmani'
The son and the daughter of the well know Thmani Baly were part of the group.

23 November 2010

Essendilene

After 4 days of camel riding, it was time to go a few days with the 4wheeldrive.
It gave us the oportunity to visit some nomad people and a place called Essendilene,
a deserted valley and beautiful gorge, famed for its crystal-clear waters and
verdant plant life.

 

22 November 2010

Tikoubouine

And when the evening falls, we arrange the fire for tea and food.
Moussa prepares the tea every day with so much care.
Following the traditions of the tuaregs .

 

 

 

21 November 2010

Tillilene

 

 

 

 

During the day we walk or we sit on the camels.
Following the rhythm of the footsteps.
An absolute silence is taking over.

 

20 November 2010

Mourouden - Assasou

Our first night under the stars.

Just an open space against a rock was the place where we spent the night.
A thousand stars hotel with a very simple bed, consisting of a mat and a sleeping-bag.
It was almost full moon, and this light covered us for the whole night.

 

 

19 November 2010

Teghane - Tihamarouine

 

 

 

18 November 2010

Algeria - Djanet

In the middle of the night we arrived in Djanet, a small village in the southeast of Algeria.
We are going to make a trip through the desert this week.
An experience which I wanted to make for years, and now we are travelling with camels, a cook, 2 camel men and a translator into the silence of nature.
Sleeping in the open air and walking through the amazing landscapes of the Tuaregs.
Feeling like a nomad and experience their life as a free human being.

14 November 2010

Eindhoven

Today it was the annual information day of my friend Helena van Engelen about her project in Peru.
www.kuychi.org

Heléna changed the course of her life 9 years ago, by putting it to the service of the forgotten children of Peru.
She went to Urubamba at the end of 2001 to build a centre where deprived children from the surrounding communities can live and learn.
The central point of her mission is to give these children a home and a future .

 

 

27 October 2010

Tokyo

Back in Tokyo, just on time for the Ambassee party of the 'LLOVE hotel' project.
The coming days there will be many openings and interesting exhibitions to see.
The start of Tokyo design 2010

26 October 2010

Kumano

Our last day of our little trip we spent in the South part of the Yoshino Kumano National Park.
A 2 1/2 hour walk through the forest with massive ancient trees that lead you to the Great Waterfall of Nachi.
The old cobbled path is part of one of the pilgrimage routes in the Kii mountains.

 

25 October 2010

Yonomine Onsen

Today we left to find out more of the region.
In the village we took the bus to Yunomine Onsen.
This onsen is believed to be one of the oldest hot springs in Japan and is intimately connected with the Kumano Pilgrimage.
The legendary founding dates back 1800 years and was used for hot water rituals.
In the center of the village you find a small bath in the creek, called Tsuboya.
Its waters are said to change color seven times a day.
All the stories brought us to this very small village and of course we wanted to have this experience in the only World Heritage hot spring in the world.
A long trip for a bath, which had the size of 1 square meter....
I expected something totally different and bigger.
But it was a really funny experience.
Like usually natural hot springs smell like eggs.
But in this one it is not only bathing, also people come from everwhere to cook their vegetables and eggs in it.

 

24 October 2010

Koya-san

In some of the temples they are having every early morning a Buddhist ceremony.
We were lucky to stay in one of them, so at 6.00 AM we were being awaked by the sound of the sutras.

 

 

 

Later that day we went to see the impressive Okunoin cemetary. The biggest and oldest in Japan.
The cemetary starts at the end of the village.
Hundreds of years old cedar trees tower over the approximately 2 km path, which finally leads you to the main mausoleum.
More than 200.000 grave stones stand in lines between the trees.
Most of them were totally taking over by nature.

 

23 October 2010

Koya-san

We escaped the city and went for 4 days to the mountains.
The idea was to to Koya-san, in northern Wakayama-ken.
This place was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the "Sacred sites and Pilgrimage Routes" in the Kii Mountain Range.
Here you find a monastic complex, which is the headquarters of the Shingon school of Esoteric Buddhism.
We arrived in the dark, which was especially beautiful because of the mysterious atmosphere.
Many lampions at the monasteries and the shadows of monks, whom were passing by.

 

22 October 2010

Tokyo

For days, all the Japanese volunteers worked as hell.
During the night we heard the drilling, the sound of running and preparing the rooms, because today the hotel has to be ready.
The press is coming and there are some photoshoots.
The 8 rooms look really impressive. All totally different.
To get an idea.

 

 

Room 308 : Pieke Bergmans

 

 

Room 304 : Ruiji Nakamura

 

 

Room 302 : Yuko Nagayama

 

What an amazing result

.... THE HOTEL IS OPEN .....

16 October 2010

Tokyo

 

 

'LLove hotel' preparation

15 October 2010

Tokyo

 

Pieke wanted for her project to work with a Japanese glassblower, so today we visited this incredible place.
We worked with Machiko, the first Japanese female glassblower of Japan.
What an experience !
Everybody totally excited of course and the hospitality was amazing.
Being here the whole day, working with all these enthousiastic people, and also sharing the lunch together,
was an incredible nice start of our trip.

14 October 2010

Tokyo

We arrived today and we are going to stay in the temporary hotel which is not ready of course ..
Everybody is working and trying to get everything fixed on time.
For sure you know how that looks like.
Ohhh ... you are too early ... we are not ready yet.

So .... we are camping on the 4th floor.

13 October 2010

Amsterdam

Today we fly to Japan.
First to Tokyo for the 'LLOVE hotel' project.
During the Tokyo design, there will be a temporary hotel/ cafe in the Daikanayma district.
From October 15 until November 13
A unique space with ‘Llove’ as its fundament will be created by Dutch and Japanese designers.
Five designers from the Netherlands and 5 Japanese designers will design a place for exchange
and communication for creators and design-lovers from Japan and from abroad during this period.

Pieke Bergmans is one of the designers, so I come along to help and of course to photograph the project.

27 September 2010

Amsterdam

Today my new website is online

26 September 2010

Sprang - Capelle

 

Charles and Jet Bergmans bought my first picture of my new webshop

 

24 September 2010

Amsterdam

 

We had diner at "IJM".
During the Inside Design, Frank Visser organised a fantastic diner at his studio for the whole "IJM" family.
Marlein cooked delicious as usual.

website IJM

website Marlein Overakker

 

April 2010

 

 

July 2009

 

 

June 2009