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Dutch Artist Theo Botschuijver

Especially because my grandfather came from Holland, I became interested in the Dutch Festival on Governor's Island as soon as I found out about it. Among the artwork and events taking place there that weekend, artist/designer Theo Botschuijver's exhibit, "Waterwalk" drew me to it. Although the weather prevented him from putting this giant ball on the water, where it was originally intended to go, it was still amazing to watch and photograph this on land.

It seems this project pertains to the dream we've all had of walking on water. When did the idea first come to you?

It is exactly as you say: from the (universal) dream(s) of being able to fly, to walk on water, to be weightless ....The idea came about when we had some big triangulated balloons left over from some other project and we wondered if it would be possible to walk inside on the water - so we tried....

The ones who were especially attracted to it were children, or adults unafraid to release their childlike tendencies. Did you have this in mind when you first designed this ball?

No, that is not the case, I think. People think very much in age categories and once kids participate in a situation, adults regard this as 'a chidren's toy' and not relevant to them. We were often in situations where adults were playing their socks off (literally) when no kids were present. But of course in general kids are more spontaneous and direct in their actions.

What were your impressions of Governor's Island and the Dutch Festival?

Governors Island could (after the right development) become an oasis in NewYork. The Dutch Festival had some great performances and installations. Maybe here and there things were a bit chaotic, which is also a charm.

What initially inspired you to follow your artistic path?

I always thought of going to art school, painting and drawing as my father did. But in high school, one of my teachers told me of a new industrial design academy in Holland, which he thought would suit me better. He was right - so my training was in industrial design and l consider myself a designer rather than an artist.

Where does your inspiration come from?

Usually my inspiration comes from the desire to make something or some situation more interesting, more fun, or (generally) better.

What is integral to the work of an artist?

Integrity, intelligence and talent.

I think that designers/artists have a special role in our world because they create things that exist only in our dreams. What do you think about this?

I agree, and let's fight the designers of nightmares.