About my work
I draw by hand with pen, pencil, charcoal, aquarelle or a combination on paper: most often use my own photographs as reference and make use of existing literature or my own research to make sure it is scientific correct, in case I do not have photographs or literature available I can use my network : ).
How it all started!
In 2004 I started with my study in Veterinary Medicine, from which I graduated cum laude in 2011. Already before my study I was interested in the evolution, ecology, anatomy and physiology of all animals. I have spend an extra year of research during my education in which I have studied the calcium metabolism in elephants. After my graduation I have started as a mixed practitioner and after a couple years (2014) I became the head veterinarian at the Rotterdam Zoo. Here I have gained a lot of experience with so many different animals from fish to elephant. Because we have done in house necropsies I have also gained extensive experience with the anatomy and pathology of a plethora of animals.
In addition and out of curiosity I also conducted many different research projects, including my PhD while working at the zoo. It was also during this period I started with supervising students and provided guest lectures and became interested in academia.
In 2022 the whole veterinary clinic and the area for the public at the Rotterdam zoo were redecorated. This was a fantastic opportunity to engage and educate the public in research. The Rotterdam research centre was born and in need for some more education on the wall. This was when I realized that my passion for research and teaching could also be combined in my passion for drawing. I was allowed to make a sketch of the anatomy of the black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis), followed by making all other education material on the wall.
In 2023 I decided to leave my position as head veterinarian at the Rotterdam Zoo to be able to finish my PhD and start a new chapter as a researcher, teacher and illustrator.
That same year I officially founded LS illustrations after some projects conducted in 2022. And in April 2024, I made my move towards academia to continue my research independently and try to trigger the curiosity of a new generation of Life scientists!
Want to know more about the Rotterdam zoo research centre? Check out Project ‘Research centre and veterinary department Rotterdam Zoo‘ in my portfolio!
In December 2024 I defended my PhD entitled: Vitamin D and mineral metabolism in the hindgut fermenting Pachyderms. What can happen if we take elephants, rhinoceroses and tapirs out of their natural environment? Which has become the foundation of my collaborative, comparative and creative research program investigating how the environment effects the animals metabolism.
From the ‘archive’: During my study to become a veterinarian we had to learn a lot of anatomy of ‘ companion and farm’ animals. To understand and remember this better I draw a lot what we had to learn!
