Jits Bakker is well acquainted with the classics. In fact his work is heavily influenced by them. The expressive artist from De Bilt not only refers regularly to classical mythology, but also through his view of life and method of working, actually pays tribute to renaissance ideals and ambitions that are rooted in antiquity. In the countless published articles covering his work, the emphasis has been placed on the sculptured works of Jits Bakker. Even though sculpture forms a major part of the artistic endeavors of this multi talented individual who was born in Renkum in 1937; it would truly be an injustice to ignore his other artistic capacities.

Also as a painter, a drawer, aquarellist, glass artist, graphic artist and ornament maker he possesses undeniable qualities. However, his achievements in these other art forms have received little attention. This is the price that Jits has had to pay for the international acclaim that he has received as a sculptor. Actually, it is a bit strange that the other aspects of his artistic talents have never been focused upon. Jits began his artistic career with a total commitment to the art of painting and he continues to paint even now. In the beginning he worked mainly in the continuation of the impressionist tradition, but through the years he grew into a true expressionist. Within the expressionist movement he further developed himself in the direction of fauvism.

Despite the fact that his sculptures have enabled him to achieve heretofore-unknown fame and recognition, Bakker has remained a painter at heart. An impressive number of portraits, still-life’s and especially landscapes bear witness to this fact. In a certain way, Jits is a legitimate public square open air painter. He enjoys painting in the outside, where the influences of light, atmosphere and color are directly translated into powerful expressions of mood and emotions. At those moments, he paints the landscapes exactly as he experiences them. The observable reality is a constant starting point, but the poetic license that he permits himself has resulted in original works of art where personal emotions and experiences are captured in recognizable images with an authentic expressiveness that connects to the fanaticism of the maker.

In 1962 Jits Bakker produced his first glass mosaic and continues to (whenever the opportunity presents itself) make use of the possibilities to artistically express himself in this colorful, transparent material (glass) which through the unusual light and color effects gives an extra dimension to the artists ability to create interesting images. Jits also has command of this art form as well and does all of the design and construction of the glass panels himself. With the modesty that is typical of him, omnivore Bakker manifests himself also as a silversmith. He views his ornaments as miniature statues that poses all the characteristics of independent sculpture.

And, as if this summary is not already long enough, mention must still be made of the fact that Bakker also regularly indulges in the world of graphic art techniques. More proof is not needed: this artist takes no pleasure in being confined by the limitations of one particular art form and therefore chooses for a universal, timeless but still recognizable approach to his creations which cover multiple forms of artistic expression. He embraces the renaissance principle that people were placed on Earth to develop themselves s multilaterally as possible. The universality in his being can be seen in many ways. Through his expertise and expressiveness, he has come to be known as an all-rounder who is not satisfied with half-truths, half measures, or half solutions. He is a creator and a researcher; a man who investigates everything and retains the information well; someone who has come to the conclusion that life is more precious in the extremes and not in conservatism and moderation.

Based upon this fundamental belief, this universal man continues his inquires. He explores and exploits new areas and meets adventurous challenges that keep the body fit and the spirit alive and free. This state of mind gives him the energy necessary for the optimal multilateral development of his many talents. In this way, Jits Bakker creates for himself the best conditions for creative artistry without limitations. Unfortunately, in an age where everything, even ideas, are pigeon ­ holed or otherwise compartmentalized, this type of free thinking lifestyle is all too often confronted with incomprehension and misapprehension. More proof is not needed: this artist takes no pleasure in being confined by the limitations of one particular art form and therefore chooses for a universal, timeless but still recognizable approach to his creations which cover multiple forms of artistic expression. He embraces the renaissance principle that people were placed on Earth to develop themselves s multilaterally as possible. The universality in his being can be seen in many ways. Through his expertise and expressiveness, he has come to be known as an all-rounder who is not satisfied with half-truths, half measures, or half solutions. He is a creator and a researcher; a man who investigates everything and retains the information well; someone who has come to the conclusion that life is more precious in the extremes and not in conservatism and moderation.

Based upon this fundamental belief, this universal man continues his inquires. He explores and exploits new areas and meets adventurous challenges that keep the body fit and the spirit alive and free. This state of mind gives him the energy necessary for the optimal multilateral development of his many talents. In this way, Jits Bakker creates for himself the best conditions for creative artistry without limitations. Unfortunately, in an age where everything, even ideas, are pigeon ­ holed or otherwise compartmentalized, this type of free thinking lifestyle is all too often confronted with incomprehension and misapprehension.