In the heart of the cold season, as winter whispers its frosty tales, I present to you a series that captures the essence of warmth and the spirit of life itself: “A Story in Yellow.” This collection is a tribute to the visionary Erwin Olaf, whose work has long been a beacon of inspiration in my artistic endeavors.

There are moments in life when we find ourselves at the crossroads of inspiration and creation. For me, one such moment came with the profound impact of Erwin Olaf, whose work transcends the boundaries of photography to evoke deep, often unspoken narratives. As I pay homage to his legacy, I reflect on his influence in my series, “A Story in Yellow.”

Erwin Olaf’s passing left a palpable void in the art world, yet his vision continues to resonate within countless artists, myself included. His photographs are not merely images captured in time; they are stories told through silence, expressions conveyed through stillness. Olaf’s ability to delve into the layers of human experience, to evoke a reaction with a single frame, has long been a guiding force in my journey as an artist.

“A Story in Yellow” is a series that embodies the spirit of Olaf’s work. Through 16 pieces, each measuring 13×19 inches, I explore themes that were close to Olaf’s heart: the nuanced dance between shadow and light, the raw honesty of emotion, and the eloquence of simplicity. Printed on durable matte Fuji paper, these works are designed to last, just like the memories they aim to preserve.

The complete series is available for purchase on Etsy. Separate prints from the series are available through the PrintApi (Dutch, but international shipping). Owning a print from “A Story in Yellow” means bringing a slice of sunlight into your environment and contributing to a life-saving cause. It’s about art transcending the boundaries of aesthetics to touch lives in tangible ways. Profits from the set or from separate prints will go to the Lung Foundation in The Netherlands.

The collection represents a narrative arc, following an 18-year-old girl as she navigates the complex interplay of adolescence, societal norms, and self-discovery. Each print stands alone as a testament to her journey, yet together, they weave a tapestry rich with meaning and introspection.

My work, while an ode to Olaf, also bears the imprint of my professional life as a pulmonary function analyst. The intersection of art and science in my world is profound, and with this series, I strive to make a tangible difference. It is with a heart full of hope that I dedicate the proceeds from “A Story in Yellow” to the Lung Foundation, in support of their tireless efforts to enhance the lives of those with lung diseases.

The essence of “A Story in Yellow” lies not just in its visual appeal but also in its purpose. Through this collection, I invite you to embark on a journey of discovery, to feel the warmth of the morning sun, and to share in the story that each print tells.

Within this collection, every artwork is a chapter, every image a passage that speaks to the heart. Here, amidst the bold themes of adolescence, societal norms, and the yearning for connection, is an 18-year-old protagonist. Her journey in a yellow dress against the dawning sun becomes a motif of joy, a symbol of the undying hope that dances in the youth’s resilient heart.

As an artist and a pulmonary function analyst, I tread a line between the scientific and the creative worlds. My passion for capturing life’s fleeting moments is paralleled only by my dedication to combating the fragility of it. This duality is why the profits from “A Story in Yellow” will be donated to the Lung Foundation, an organization that aligns with my commitment to making a difference for those affected by respiratory conditions.

Each piece, while complete in itself, is a fragment of a larger tale waiting to be told in the gallery of your home or office.

In the series “A Story in Yellow,” a layered narrative unfolds through a sequence of 16 individual works. While as a collective the series casts an introspective look at themes such as growing up, generational conflict, social exclusion, romance, and gender neutrality, each piece also functions as a standalone artwork with its own identity and statement. This duality is further amplified by the fact that the protagonist in each photo is subtly different, a choice that gives each photo its own character within the overarching story.

The series also dares to take risks by exploring raw and often difficult themes of misguided love and complex family dynamics. Yet, at the same time, there is a moment of pure joy and hope: a young girl, dynamic in the wind, basking in the morning sun as her yellow dress flutters. This image serves as a beacon of light, embodying the concept of a new beginning, a harmonious counterpoint to the more complex, emotionally charged themes in the series.

Join me in this initiative—immerse in the art, support the Lung Foundation, and let the golden tones of optimism paint your world.

Discover “A Story in Yellow” on Etsy and be part of a narrative that goes beyond the canvas, where every stroke is a step towards a world where breathing is easier for everyone.

Thank you for being a part of this artistic endeavor and for your support of a cause that touches us all. Together, we can keep the light of Erwin Olaf’s art burning bright for generations to come.
Olafique collection
My growing body of Erwin Olaf–inspired artworks deserved its own identity, which I call “Olafique.” Under this label I gather every piece where I explore narrative scenes, dramatic lighting, and bold colour contrasts in the spirit of Olaf—always filtered through my own creative lens.
While A Story in Yellow is a series in itself, my other Olafique works are collected in a dedicated gallery on Fine Art America. This is where you can find prints of these pieces, available worldwide.
To celebrate the launch of the Olafique series, I also released one work as a free high-resolution, print-ready download on my Gumroad. Consider it both a tribute to Erwin Olaf and a thank-you to everyone who follows my artistic journey.
You can purchase the complete series of “A Story in Yellow” as prints in my Etsy shop.
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