ABOUT REAL, RAW
& INTIMATE ART
EMMY-KOOS MEIJER
- artist, illustrator & teacher -
Emmy-Koos creates beautiful nude portraits, also known as 'Power Portraits,' from her apartment in Amsterdam. Everything she creates is intimate and inspired by real life. The colours she uses convey a certain energy or mood.
POM Amsterdam engaged in a conversation with her, delving into topics such as creative self-expression, body celebration, and the influence of clothing in these aspects.
ABOUT REAL, RAW
& INTIMATE ART
EMMY-KOOS MEIJER
- artist, illustrator & teacher -
Emmy-Koos creates beautiful nude portraits, also known as 'Power Portraits,' from her apartment in Amsterdam. Everything she creates is intimate and inspired by real life. The colours she uses convey a certain energy or mood.
POM Amsterdam engaged in a conversation with her, delving into topics such as creative self-expression, body celebration, and the influence of clothing in these aspects.
ABOUT REAL, RAW
& INTIMATE ART
EMMY-KOOS MEIJER
- artist, illustrator & teacher -
Emmy-Koos creates beautiful nude portraits, also known as 'Power Portraits,' from her apartment in Amsterdam. Everything she creates is intimate and inspired by real life. The colours she uses convey a certain energy or mood.
POM Amsterdam engaged in a conversation with her, delving into topics such as creative self-expression, body celebration, and the influence of clothing in these aspects.
You're an artist, illustrator, and teacher. You create live illustrations and nude Power Portraits, among other things. Can you tell us more about that?
I loved drawing, painting, writing, putting on little plays, building things, making up songs, and dressing up as a child. I always experienced a lot of emotions but often didn't know how to deal with them. I had frequent bouts of depression. At the age of 26, I fell into such a deep slump that I realised I had to take responsibility for my life. I quit my job in advertising and started drawing, writing poems, and songs as an outlet. It gave me back my self-confidence. A few months later, I had run out of money. Luckily, I had some connections in the advertising world, so I decided to focus on drawing. I created a portfolio website and announced everywhere that I was an illustrator. It was a bit of bluffing, but it worked.
Sometime later, my illustrations were featured in magazines and on packaging worldwide. What really fascinated me was the fact that I was able to pull myself up and embark on a new path during my darkest moments. Personal growth, freedom, and self-acceptance mean so much to me, and I want everyone to experience them. That's why I started creating nude portraits, or ‘Power Portraits.’ Everything I create is deeply intimate and inspired by real life. I use art as a way to express my feelings and thoughts, and it's an honour when it resonates with others. Emotions often turn out to be universally recognisable.
Drawing a strong woman in her full, bare glory. How do you bring these women to their most 'authentic selves' while they pose naked before you?
It's always a surprise how someone enters the room. Sometimes, a person stands at the door, trembling with nerves, or with great enthusiasm. Before we begin, we share a cup of tea and I check in with you - how are you feeling? Sometimes, we dance through the living room, or meditate. I guide you through a conscious undressing ritual, where you are in control. At each step, you can decide whether to remove or keep something on. You don't need to strike a pose; just standing as you are is already a pose. While I sketch, I check in with you. Are you still present in your body?
Of all the ‘Power Portraits’ you've created so far, what is your most inspiring/magical moment with someone?
Every session is unique. Often, tears flow. I've witnessed someone transforming from being completely stiff with stress to utter surrender. The moments when someone broke down while mentioning something they were proud of. The wonder of dancing naked in my living room. The tears of someone regaining control over her body. The radiant woman who leaves feeling like she can conquer the world.
"IT CAN BE AN ODE, A CELEBRATION, A LOVE LETTER, OR A WAY TO SAY SORRY OR THANK YOU TO YOUR BODY."
AN INTRODUCTION
INTIMATE ART
You're an artist, illustrator, and teacher. You create live illustrations and nude Power Portraits, among other things. Can you tell us more about that?
I loved drawing, painting, writing, putting on little plays, building things, making up songs, and dressing up as a child. I always experienced a lot of emotions but often didn't know how to deal with them. I had frequent bouts of depression. At the age of 26, I fell into such a deep slump that I realised I had to take responsibility for my life. I quit my job in advertising and started drawing, writing poems, and songs as an outlet. It gave me back my self-confidence. A few months later, I had run out of money. Luckily, I had some connections in the advertising world, so I decided to focus on drawing. I created a portfolio website and announced everywhere that I was an illustrator. It was a bit of bluffing, but it worked.
Sometime later, my illustrations were featured in magazines and on packaging worldwide. What really fascinated me was the fact that I was able to pull myself up and embark on a new path during my darkest moments. Personal growth, freedom, and self-acceptance mean so much to me, and I want everyone to experience them. That's why I started creating nude portraits, or ‘Power Portraits.’ Everything I create is deeply intimate and inspired by real life. I use art as a way to express my feelings and thoughts, and it's an honour when it resonates with others. Emotions often turn out to be universally recognisable.
AN INTRODUCTION
INTIMATE ART
You're an artist, illustrator, and teacher. You create live illustrations and nude Power Portraits, among other things. Can you tell us more about that?
I loved drawing, painting, writing, putting on little plays, building things, making up songs, and dressing up as a child. I always experienced a lot of emotions but often didn't know how to deal with them. I had frequent bouts of depression. At the age of 26, I fell into such a deep slump that I realised I had to take responsibility for my life. I quit my job in advertising and started drawing, writing poems, and songs as an outlet. It gave me back my self-confidence. A few months later, I had run out of money. Luckily, I had some connections in the advertising world, so I decided to focus on drawing. I created a portfolio website and announced everywhere that I was an illustrator. It was a bit of bluffing, but it worked.
Sometime later, my illustrations were featured in magazines and on packaging worldwide. What really fascinated me was the fact that I was able to pull myself up and embark on a new path during my darkest moments. Personal growth, freedom, and self-acceptance mean so much to me, and I want everyone to experience them. That's why I started creating nude portraits, or ‘Power Portraits.’ Everything I create is deeply intimate and inspired by real life. I use art as a way to express my feelings and thoughts, and it's an honour when it resonates with others. Emotions often turn out to be universally recognisable.
What's your take on the saying 'clothes make the woman'?
Taken literally, I find the expression 'clothes make the woman' nonsense. Clothing doesn't define who you are for me. Womanhood is an inner truth and is independent of what you wear. However, I do see clothing as a form of self-expression that can offer both pleasure and strength but can also sometimes create boundaries. Personally, I prefer to have as few layers as possible between my skin and the world. My choice of clothing depends on my mood and destination. I love a simple uniform, but when I'm going dancing, the costumes come out. A bodysuit, sometimes with fishnet tights. I want to be able to move freely and enjoy showing my body. I primarily dress for myself, but if my style inspires others to feel more liberated, that's a nice bonus.
What's your view on how women perceive themselves?
Women who choose a Power Portrait are often on a journey to love themselves and their bodies more. We all know that critical inner voice that tells us we're not good enough. This is partly due to unrealistic images in the media that suggest we need to change something about ourselves. So, looking at yourself with more kindness is actually a form of protest. A Power Portrait is an investment in self-acceptance and self-love. People who come to me have often overcome something. The portrait marks this change and reminds them of where they are in their lives and with their bodies now. It can be an ode, a celebration, a love letter, or a way to say sorry or thank you to your body.
THE creatiON process
BARE GLORY
Drawing a strong woman in her full, bare glory. How do you bring these women to their most 'authentic selves' while they pose naked before you?
It's always a surprise how someone enters the room. Sometimes, a person stands at the door, trembling with nerves, or with great enthusiasm. Before we begin, we share a cup of tea and I check in with you - how are you feeling? Sometimes, we dance through the living room, or meditate. I guide you through a conscious undressing ritual, where you are in control. At each step, you can decide whether to remove or keep something on. You don't need to strike a pose; just standing as you are is already a pose. While I sketch, I check in with you. Are you still present in your body?
The creation process
BARE GLORY
Drawing a strong woman in her full, bare glory. How do you bring these women to their most 'authentic selves' while they pose naked before you?
It's always a surprise how someone enters the room. Sometimes, a person stands at the door, trembling with nerves, or with great enthusiasm. Before we begin, we share a cup of tea and I check in with you - how are you feeling? Sometimes, we dance through the living room, or meditate. I guide you through a conscious undressing ritual, where you are in control. At each step, you can decide whether to remove or keep something on. You don't need to strike a pose; just standing as you are is already a pose. While I sketch, I check in with you. Are you still present in your body?
A PERSONAL STORY
MAGICAL MOMENT
Of all the ‘Power Portraits’ you've created so far, what is your most inspiring/magical moment with someone?
Every session is unique. Often, tears flow. I've witnessed someone transforming from being completely stiff with stress to utter surrender. The moments when someone broke down while mentioning something they were proud of. The wonder of dancing naked in my living room. The tears of someone regaining control over her body. The radiant woman who leaves feeling like she can conquer the world.
A personal story
MAGICAL MOMENT
Of all the ‘Power Portraits’ you've created so far, what is your most inspiring/magical moment with someone?
Every session is unique. Often, tears flow. I've witnessed someone transforming from being completely stiff with stress to utter surrender. The moments when someone broke down while mentioning something they were proud of. The wonder of dancing naked in my living room. The tears of someone regaining control over her body. The radiant woman who leaves feeling like she can conquer the world.
"IT CAN BE AN ODE, A CELEBRATION, A LOVE LETTER, OR A WAY TO SAY SORRY OR THANK YOU TO YOUR BODY."
"IT CAN BE AN ODE, A CELEBRATION, A LOVE LETTER, OR A WAY TO SAY SORRY OR THANK YOU TO YOUR BODY."
THE ROLE OF CLOTHING
FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT
What's your take on the saying 'clothes make the woman'?
Taken literally, I find the expression 'clothes make the woman' nonsense. Clothing doesn't define who you are for me. Womanhood is an inner truth and is independent of what you wear. However, I do see clothing as a form of self-expression that can offer both pleasure and strength but can also sometimes create boundaries. Personally, I prefer to have as few layers as possible between my skin and the world. My choice of clothing depends on my mood and destination. I love a simple uniform, but when I'm going dancing, the costumes come out. A bodysuit, sometimes with fishnet tights. I want to be able to move freely and enjoy showing my body. I primarily dress for myself, but if my style inspires others to feel more liberated, that's a nice bonus.
SELF-IMAGE
SELF-ACCEPTANCE
What's your view on how women perceive themselves?
Women who choose a Power Portrait are often on a journey to love themselves and their bodies more. We all know that critical inner voice that tells us we're not good enough. This is partly due to unrealistic images in the media that suggest we need to change something about ourselves. So, looking at yourself with more kindness is actually a form of protest. A Power Portrait is an investment in self-acceptance and self-love. People who come to me have often overcome something. The portrait marks this change and reminds them of where they are in their lives and with their bodies now. It can be an ode, a celebration, a love letter, or a way to say sorry or thank you to your body.
THE ROLE OF CLOTHING
FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT
What's your take on the saying 'clothes make the woman'?
Taken literally, I find the expression 'clothes make the woman' nonsense. Clothing doesn't define who you are for me. Womanhood is an inner truth and is independent of what you wear. However, I do see clothing as a form of self-expression that can offer both pleasure and strength but can also sometimes create boundaries. Personally, I prefer to have as few layers as possible between my skin and the world. My choice of clothing depends on my mood and destination. I love a simple uniform, but when I'm going dancing, the costumes come out. A bodysuit, sometimes with fishnet tights. I want to be able to move freely and enjoy showing my body. I primarily dress for myself, but if my style inspires others to feel more liberated, that's a nice bonus.
Self-image
SELF-ACCEPTANCE
What's your view on how women perceive themselves?
Women who choose a Power Portrait are often on a journey to love themselves and their bodies more. We all know that critical inner voice that tells us we're not good enough. This is partly due to unrealistic images in the media that suggest we need to change something about ourselves. So, looking at yourself with more kindness is actually a form of protest. A Power Portrait is an investment in self-acceptance and self-love. People who come to me have often overcome something. The portrait marks this change and reminds them of where they are in their lives and with their bodies now. It can be an ode, a celebration, a love letter, or a way to say sorry or thank you to your body.
USE OF COLOUR
POWERFUL COLOURS
In your artworks, you also use colour. You mentioned that the model chooses the colours and materials that best represent them. Which colour appears most frequently in your Power Portraits?
Colour can say something about someone's personality, life stage, and current life themes. Softness, vitality, clarity, courage – all of these can be conveyed through colour. I use colour intuitively to reflect certain energies and moods. I collect beautiful colour combinations in a folder on my laptop. Sometimes, I consciously choose not to use colour if it aligns with the essence of the work as I see it.
SELF-PORTRAIT
HONEST & OPEN
Have you ever created a Power Portrait of yourself?
Every once in a while, I make a self-portrait. I love studying myself and my body with gentle eyes. This allows me to look at others with more kindness as well. Being naked, to me, means being honest and open, without walls. It requires a sense of safety, which I currently find within myself. I enjoy being nude and feel comfortable with it.
"Softness, vitality, clarity, courage – all of these can be conveyed through colour."
USE OF COLOUR
POWERFUL COLOURS
In your artworks, you also use colour. You mentioned that the model chooses the colours and materials that best represent them. Which colour appears most frequently in your Power Portraits?
Colour can say something about someone's personality, life stage, and current life themes. Softness, vitality, clarity, courage – all of these can be conveyed through colour. I use colour intuitively to reflect certain energies and moods. I collect beautiful colour combinations in a folder on my laptop. Sometimes, I consciously choose not to use colour if it aligns with the essence of the work as I see it.
Self-Portrait
HONEST & OPEN
Have you ever created a Power Portrait of yourself?
Every once in a while, I make a self-portrait. I love studying myself and my body with gentle eyes. This allows me to look at others with more kindness as well. Being naked, to me, means being honest and open, without walls. It requires a sense of safety, which I currently find within myself. I enjoy being nude and feel comfortable with it.
" Softness, vitality, clarity, courage – all of these can be conveyed through colour."
In your artworks, you also use colour. You mentioned that the model chooses the colours and materials that best represent them. Which colour appears most frequently in your Power Portraits?
Colour can say something about someone's personality, life stage, and current life themes. Softness, vitality, clarity, courage – all of these can be conveyed through colour. I use colour intuitively to reflect certain energies and moods. I collect beautiful colour combinations in a folder on my laptop. Sometimes, I consciously choose not to use colour if it aligns with the essence of the work as I see it.
Have you ever created a Power Portrait of yourself?
Every once in a while, I make a self-portrait. I love studying myself and my body with gentle eyes. This allows me to look at others with more kindness as well. Being naked, to me, means being honest and open, without walls. It requires a sense of safety, which I currently find within myself. I enjoy being nude and feel comfortable with it.
"Softness, vitality, clarity, courage – all of these can be conveyed through colour."
A few more questions to get to know you better:
A few more questions to get to know you better:
A few more questions to get to know you better:
HEY MOM!
MOTHER'S DAY GIFT
Celebrate Mother's Day with us! Treat yourself to a beautiful POM scarf and receive an extra scarf as a gift*. Choose your favourites from the new scarf collection and spoil that special woman in your life.
Because you both deserve it.