Layers of a Name

I've decided to walk my path as an artist under my mother's maiden name: Linde Van der Linde.

This choice is in honour of my grandparents, who have both passed on but continue to shape who I am. My grandmother's life was deeply marked by her mental health, and after her passing I learned that I carry the same struggles. It's not easy to navigate a road like this without someone who fully understands, but knowing who she was has allowed me to feel her presence beside me, reminding me I am not alone.

My grandfather, quiet and reserved yet unwaveringly strong, stood by her side with gentleness and love. From him I learned that strength can be soft, and sensitivity is its own form of power.

These artworks are made from paper I created by hand, embedding photographs of them in their youth, pieces of my own ID and passport photos from childhood through to now. The process felt reminiscent of scrapbooking with my mom. Layering memory, identity, and love into something tangible.

In taking their surname forward, I hope to carry their story with pride, honour, and tenderness, through all the good times and the hard ones. This is for them, and for the journey we continue together.

Linde Van der Linde.