De Es was one of several artists on my list to visit in the Summer of 2003. In return for making a short introduction for me, my task was to interview De Es about his change in direction with his artwork. I must admit to not knowing much about him or his artwork other than the Stone Cycle of artwork, so I did not know what to expect.
When I finally found his studio, I was greated by a softly spoken man of small but well built stature. It struck me that his stone men might actually be an echo of himself.
He ushered me into his large hall that serves as his studio, gallery and theater. As we chatted over a tee under the ambiant light of warehouse skylight, De Es pointed out that many people know him for his earlier stone works, and weren’t aware of his current direction of lines and curves, or even his digital works. He went on to say that some of his old collectors were very confused by his new direction, and wanted him to paint more stone works.
But as every good artist, of any media, whether it be paint or music, well knows there is a time when one has explored all they need with certain expressions and it is time to move on to the next inspiration.
De Es still has the same motivations, but now he uses different motifs to express his ideas. It is another layer of information, to add to the depth of story he tells. He now builds this depth with lines and curves, seeking a diacotomy between the two. He seeks an alchemical union of the two opposites.
After clarifying the intent of the interview he commenced a tour of his large new generation of artworks standing around the perimeter of the room.
What struck me first was the vibrancy and energy of his work.