The self-taught artist Rob van de Lei was born in 1969 on an inland vessel in the Netherlands and feels at home everywhere. Discovery is the essence of his work.

He creates worlds and entities that have never been seen, but that may exist somewhere in a strange world, as one brushstroke flows into the next, one world also flows into the next. Sometimes a stain is developed into a figurative shape, sometimes only partially so that the viewer has the opportunity to discover and dream and see things that he may not have even painted. He would like to take you on a journey of discovery to another dimension, outside the stress of everyday life.

The reflection technique that he developed during the collaboration with Ashley Christudason from Singapore is ideal for this. By working on a mirror in various layers and using various techniques, an image is created that continually changes depending on the incidence of light, viewing angle and even the clothing of the viewer.

From one of his 'travels' he brought back the De_Lights light sculptures, replicas of light beings that embody freedom. These light sculptures are just like the original creatures and freedom itself, fragile and powerful at the same time. In the future he wants the De_lights to interact with the Levante and the light of the Costa de la Luz, southern Spain.

Van der Lei produces works on commission that are unique and very personal. He starts with a spark, a small anecdote, an object, a subtle fact, everything forms during the creation process into a whole in which you continue to discover and recognize.

On request he gives a 14-day private painting lesson in southern Spain for people who want to create their own first work of art and transform from beginner to advanced during the process.