Let’s keep encouraging children to be curious

To their peers, to their history, as well as the world around them. I believe curiosity creates empathy and understanding.

At the base of this project is a curiosity for my own Dutch heritage and the folktales that come with it. This has set the Witch of Eastbrook on a path to discover both fact and fiction from an age that was both beautiful and turbulent. While diving into a place both close to my home of Utrecht, yet so distant and strange, one cannot help but notice pieces of history still relevant today. The original source may have believed the real danger to be the supernatural, but I believe the inspiration behind the stories to be far more severe. The Witch-hunt is a cautionary tale about polarisation, persecution and no longer listening to one another in favor of rigid ideals.

Agatha and Casper face these struggles directly, while being confronted with all the added consequences of such an environment; stringent expectations of who to be, insecurities, anxieties and relationships in peril. Yet, through their curiosity, determination and cooperation they persevere. They learn not only to listen to others, but their own hearts as well.

In an environment that sees more polarisation creep in day by day, I wish to give children the tools that may guard them to not grow estranged from those around them. In this, inspiring them to be curious may just be the seed that brings about positive change.

To be understanding, even in an increasingly hostile world, may be a real feat of magic.

My sincerest thanks goes out to everyone that wished to engage with my curiousity during the development of my project.

I would like to especially thank; Frank and Luna for guiding me in the creation of this story.

My friends and fellow artists Frederique and Kayne for their creative contributions and sketches.

My mom, dad and sister for supporting my long nights, passionate rants and being an amazing source of feedback and encouragement.

My partner Wytze for all the help with writing and being the very first one to share the joy of this project with me.