About Thamara Zijlstra
I’m an anthropologist, entrepreneur, storyteller and artist. I am also a Dutch pioneer in empowering women to build remote online businesses. I’ve received significant media recognition because of my work and have been nominated twice for most successful creative entrepreneur.
With a deep fascination for authenticity, I built my academic foundation on the subject, then took my research into the world - traveling extensively and living for years in both Africa and the Middle East.
But my interest in human empowerment and living authentic lives is not just a career, it’s a lived experience.
My life is a story shaped by the challenges of growing up in an environment where personal boundaries were denied and individuality was perceived as a threat.
In my search for individuality, authenticity, and freedom, art became my most powerful tool for healing; allowing me to reclaim my authenticity and address the wounds of the past.
I am driven by an unwavering belief in the freedom to be fully and unapologetically ourselves - a mission that, in today’s world, feels almost rebellious.
Being captivated by both black-and-white photography, design and the art of painting with wool, I now translate my exploration of critical social themes into powerful, thought-provoking works - inviting us all to embrace a little more freedom.
Connecting Through Art
At the heart of my work is a deep belief in love, positivity, and empathy. And knowing that personal liberation doesn’t happen in solitude. I create art to uplift others, focusing on what truly matters to me: hope, kindness, and genuine human connection.
Whether it’s through my writing, my guidance or the art I create, my goal is always the same: to inspire you to look within yourself, discover your inner beauty, and live authentically.
I believe that by embracing who we truly are, we can see the beauty in others and the world around us, even in challenging times. Through my work, I hope to remind you that embracing love and empathy can transform our experiences and inspire those around us. It’s all about connection.
Art is a tool for healing. A way to express our embodied experiences.
Embracing Authenticity as an
Artistic Medium
When people ask about the materials I use in my art, I might mention wool or fabric, but the most honest answer is authenticity. Authenticity is the genuine expression of an individual's true self, emotions, and experiences. Though it's not a physical material, authenticity is at the heart of my work because it embodies who I truly am. While it isn't tangible like wool or or other textiles, authenticity is the substance that gives my art its depth and meaning, much like how physical materials contribute to form and texture.
My art is created from deeply felt personal experiences; I mold authenticity into a tangible form that you can perceive and feel. My intention as a person and as an artist is to inspire and give you the courage to find and express your own authentic self. So, even though authenticity isn't a physical material in the traditional sense, treating it as such empowers me to present honest narratives and unfiltered realities in my art, provoking thought and inspiring change for those who need it.