The Boy Who Lost His Voice follows a young boy on a journey from the historic streets of Delft to England, where his search for his singing voice becomes an adventure of self-discovery, courage, and spiritual encounters. What inspired the setup to this story?

The story actually began with the drawings, rather than with a plot. I had been drawing historic buildings, churches, cathedrals and cityscapes in different places, and I wanted to create a story that would connect these locations and bring the drawings together in a meaningful way.

As singing has always been an important part of my own life, it gradually became a central element of the story. I have sung in several of the cathedrals that I have drawn, so music, architecture and the atmosphere of these historic places are closely connected in my imagination.

Willem, the main character, was partly inspired by my grandfather. Through him, I wanted to explore what it means to lose something that is an essential part of yourself, and how a journey can become a way of discovering who you really are.

Delft’s canals, historic buildings, and England’s Gothic cathedrals play important roles in Willem’s adventure. How did you choose these particular settings?

I have always loved drawing historic cityscapes and architecture, particularly old churches, cathedrals and the streets surrounding them. The locations in the book were therefore not chosen simply as settings for a story; they were the starting point of the entire project.

I particularly enjoy the architecture and atmosphere of historic English towns and cities. Their churches and cathedrals are not only beautiful buildings, but also places filled with history, music and stories.

In a sense, the text is an illustration of the images, rather than the other way around. I wanted the words to give the reader a reason to travel through these places, while the drawings would allow them to see and experience their beauty.

Father Andries offers Willem companionship and guidance during his search. What inspired this character, and what did you hope their conversations would reveal?

I introduced Father Andries into the story for several reasons. Willem’s search for his lost singing voice is about much more than recovering the ability to sing. His voice is part of his identity, and losing it forces him to confront questions about himself, his place in the world and what gives his life meaning.

In that sense, his journey is almost a spiritual pilgrimage. Such a journey calls for guidance, companionship and someone with whom he can share his questions and doubts.

Father Andries provides that guidance, but he is also a companion on the road. Through their conversations, I wanted to explore themes of faith, courage, friendship, vulnerability and the search for meaning. I also wanted to show that sometimes finding your way does not mean receiving all the answers, but learning to look at yourself and the world differently.

Your detailed illustrations bring the story’s architecture and atmosphere to life. How did creating the artwork influence the development of Willem’s journey?

I actually created the drawings first, before writing the story. I often visit England, where I enjoy drawing on location with pen and pencil. I also made the drawings of Delft, my own hometown, while sitting outside and drawing the buildings and streets directly from observation.

Drawing on location is something I find wonderfully relaxing. It is also a very enjoyable social experience: people often stop to watch, ask questions and have a conversation. Those small encounters are part of the pleasure of drawing outdoors.

The drawings gradually suggested the places Willem would visit and the experiences he might have along the way. They gave the story its geographical and visual structure. As I began writing, I found myself creating a narrative that would connect the different locations and give them a place in Willem’s personal journey.

For me, the illustrations are not simply decorative additions to the text. They are an essential part of the book’s identity. I hope they encourage readers to look more closely at historic architecture and to appreciate the beauty and cultural heritage that surrounds us.

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