Glistening Statues Honor the Varied Hues, Patterns, and Shapes of the Natural World

# The Natural and Surreal Craft of Eelco Hilgersom

Artist [Eelco Hilgersom](https://eelcohilgersom.com/) has perfected the subtle blend of nature’s organic allure with bold modern sculpture. Drawing on the liveliness, textures, and complex shapes present in the natural environment, Hilgersom transfigures these features into remarkable, surreal masterpieces. Through his captivating **Habitat** series, along with his commissioned pieces for **Tiffany & Co., The College Hotel in Amsterdam, and the renowned three-Michelin-star restaurant Noor in Spain**, Hilgersom presents an abstract interpretation of nature—one that is both enchanting and unusual.

## A Profound Bond with Nature

Hilgersom’s intrigue with nature commenced in his youth, where he was captivated by the intricacy and development of living beings. His admiration for the vast spectrum of colors, designs, and survival techniques in the wild lays the groundwork for his artistic expression. Yet rather than duplicating nature, Hilgersom captures its essence, crafting works that suggest life without mimicking it, seizing its vibrancy rather than its exact shapes.

*”When I’m not immersed in nature, I enjoy watching documentaries to stay connected,”* Hilgersom expresses. *”My goal is to represent this beauty in an abstract manner.”*

This enthusiasm manifests in the **Habitat** series, a group of sculptures that seem poised to come alive. The creations, fashioned from **wood and glass**, resemble glimmering beings adorned in intricate, scale-like patterns, each exuding a unique aura—both strange and recognizable. The daring color selections in his artwork function as a visual dialect, inspired by the natural world’s ability to convey everything from attraction to danger through color.

*”Colors are signals, meant to intimidate a foe or allure a mate. The more vivid the hue, the stronger the message.”* – Eelco Hilgersom

## The Artistic Journey: Sculpting Beyond a Flat Surface

For Hilgersom, sculpture represents a **three-dimensional dialogue among concept, material, and form**—transcending the confines of a flat canvas. He compares his creative journey to a form of mental emancipation, noting that his incessant stream of ideas drives an almost unquenchable desire to create.

*”A new idea is fully imagined in my mind: the materials I wish to utilize, the shape or color I envision. I find solace only once I’ve made it physical and discern whether it will succeed.”*

This tireless quest for artistic expression has yielded pieces that are fluid yet structured, harmonizing natural beauty with contemporary craftsmanship. Hilgersom’s unique sculptural approach has garnered substantial recognition, leading to **prestigious commissions from luxury brands and celebrated international venues**.

## A Reflection on Humanity and Nature

Beyond their stunning visual allure, Hilgersom’s sculptures embody a deeper **philosophical message regarding humanity’s connection to nature**. He perceives that contemporary society has distanced itself from its natural origins, often viewing itself as distinct or superior to the ecosystems it occupies. However, through his art, Hilgersom aspires to **reignite a sense of connection and appreciation for the splendor of the natural world**.

*”These are abstract reflections because people no longer see themselves connected to nature. They believe they rise above it, while in reality, we are part of it. When they receive that message, I hope they will begin to admire nature as I do and cherish it.”*

By creating pieces that balance the known and the fantastical, Hilgersom establishes a visual conversation between art and the breathing world, prompting his audience to consider their role within nature—not outside of it.

## Explore Further

To follow the remarkable creations of **Eelco Hilgersom**, delve into his latest sculptures and artistic approach on [his website](https://eelcohilgersom.com/) or connect with him on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/eelcohilgersom/).

For those who value the subtle interplay between abstraction and nature-inspired art, Hilgersom’s works provide not only visual delight but also a deep reflection on the artistry of existence itself.