Ruud Zweypfenning

Ruud followed a remarkable path from biologist to sculptor. It was a gradual process in which science and art coexisted for many years. While working as a research scientist at the Universities of Leiden and Amsterdam, he devoted his spare time to studying sculpture techniques. After twelve years as a biologist, he decided to become a full-time sculptor—a decision he has never regretted, even after more than twenty years.

His background as a biologist remains clearly visible in his work. In addition to his artistic practice, he served as the City Sculptor of Haarlem and has held, and continues to hold, board positions within various artists' and studio associations.

His choice of subjects is strongly influenced by his education as a biologist. Animals, people, plants, and botanical forms are an important source of inspiration. Powerful, robust bulls, a grumpy bittern, or an arrogant secretary bird—the natural world allows him to express movement, strength, and the tension between stillness and dynamism. This deep connection with nature is firmly rooted within him and reflects both his certainties and his doubts.

Mythological stories also play an important role in his work. Figures such as Leda and Icarus express universal themes including love, vulnerability, freedom, and uncertainty. They offer another way of translating his inner world and are given a contemporary, highly personal interpretation in his sculptures.

Ruud prefers to work with modelling wax. This material offers the flexibility to set a sculpture aside for a while without it drying out or losing its shape. As a result, he does not necessarily complete a sculpture in a single session. It is important to him that the emotion from which a sculpture originates remains present throughout the creative process. If he feels that the necessary calmness or concentration is lacking, he prefers to leave the work for a while and return to it later with the same conviction and emotional connection.