Marlies Boomsma

Amsterdam-based artist Marlies Boomsma works from her houseboat studio overlooking one of the city’s canals. It is here that most Curiosa Cabinet illustrations and handmade pieces come to life.

Although not formally trained as an artist, Marlies studied International Relations and worked for ten years at an NGO before co-founding Curiosa Cabinet with three friends. This unconventional background continues to shape her work — intuitive, research-driven and inspired by everyday life, travel, nature and its creatures.

As founder and now sole owner of Curiosa Cabinet, she creates illustrations and original artwork for the boutique. Her work ranges from illustrated gift cards and limited-edition prints to hand-painted (often vintage) ceramics, each piece made slowly and with attention.