De Roerdomp (the Bittern)

Joost: Sometimes you have a mural that is more than just a finished result. With this one, everything came together.

A few years ago, I was driving early in the morning to the first ferry to Texel. Along the road, I saw, for a brief moment, a bittern sitting high in the reeds, bathed in the first morning light. Stopping for a photo was not an option, but that image has always stayed with me.

Since we moved to Haarlem, close to the Hekslootpolder, the bittern has once again become a special bird to me. Together with Yuna, who also became completely enthusiastic after reading Ronnie the Bittern, we have often gone looking for a bittern in the polder. So far without success together, but that made it all the more special to now give it a place on Roerdompstraat, right on the edge of the polder.

When I saw this large, bare wall, I knew immediately: this is where that memory belongs. Thanks to a beautiful reference image by Vincent Vuik photography, the enthusiasm of Pré Wonen, the residents, and everyone involved, this idea could become a reality.

During a week of around 35 degrees, with neighbors stopping by with ice cream and cold drinks in cooler bags, and my sweet family coming to take a look every day, the painting slowly came to life.

Thanks to everyone who made this special wall possible. This is one I won't soon forget.