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BF: Johannes Vermeer of Delft, also known as Jan Vermeer or Johannes van der Meer,
: You are known for your calm and detached images, imbued with the quite dignity
of everyday life. Why pick Jade as a subject.
JV: We have much in common, both photographers of a sort, both used to the trouble of war, both like kids.
BF: Children?
JV: Well mine were, yes, I have 14 children. Her's are real kids, at least one was.
Mine were definitely less goaty, I didn't ask about that.
BF: So she likes animals?
JV: Well she hangs around with the pig a lot, but she smooshes a lot of animals as well.
She says, "look at that really rare vole" and she take a picture of the vole then
she smooshes it with the stick. Not very eco-concious as you say.
BF: A woman of contradictions.
JV: Oh and a tough lady. : We were going to get a coffee, we were down near the canal, she like the canal,
she said it remind her of home, anyway like I said we were out and we get mugged, the guy pulls out a
big stick. Well I was so scared stiff you could have used me for a table, but Jade she says "call that a stick? That's not a stick, now this is a stick." and she gets out
her staff and does this twirl thing thing and knocks him into the middle of the canal! What a girl.
BF: When you ask to paint her what did she say?
JV: She just smiled, lovely smile, She didn't smile often enough I think, So I try to capture that.
BF: Did you give her the pearl?
JV: No, she had loads of them. I thought it was a bit risky carrying them around all the time,
but I guess she can look after herself (laughs). She used to carry everything with her all the time,
like a bag lady, I don't know where she keep it all though, I guess she have a big handbag.
BF: How close were you? Were you very good friends?
JV: Oh I hear the rumours, don't believe the movie though, Jade and me were just friends,
I love my Catharina, we have fourteen children. I think Jade likes the pig more than me.
BF: Thank you Jan.
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