The Book That Changed My Life

I’d saiud for years: ‘I wish I had time to write a book.’ In May 2009, I left my corporate job of 16 years, with a time on my hands. It was now or never – either write that book, or stop talking about writing it!After a world trip, I came up with the idea for a book about my beloved adopted home-town, Amsterdam.

Between May 2010 and May 2011, I spent a year interviewing a diverse group of artistic, creative and stubborn Amsterdammers, who make the city the amazing place it is.

It was an amazing experience, which led me to meeting my wife, Sheila, at a writer’s group. Below, you;ll see the artwork from DefP, who featured heavily in the book and launch – and a conversation with him resulted in Sheila an di decising to have kids.

Sometimes going for your dreams can truly change your life.

Videos about Amsterdam… The Essence

The Essence Painting, by DefP

A conversation with DefP a few weeks after publishing the book led me to talk with my wife Sheila about having children.
We now have two wonderful kids, thanks to Pascal Griffioen telling me;
“I’ve done everything I can do to get a kick, and now I’m gonna get the biggest kick of them all.’

Short Documentaries about the people who shape Amsterdam

The Essence Photos

Essence Portraits by Joost van Manen

Check out Joost’s work at joostvanmanen.com