Dave van Rijk was born in Indonesia in 1956. His parents owned a coffee, tea & rubber plantation. Dave has 3 brothers & grew up in a loving family environment. In 1959 he moved to the Netherlands after the death of his father.After completing High School Dave spent a further 2 years studying at the School of Arts in ‘s- Hertogenbosch, near Eindhoven. In 1980 Dave graduated from the Royal Academy of Arts as a Sculptor with a Masters Degree in Arts.Upon graduation, Dave was invited into the prestigious BKR scheme for promising emerging artists & received government funding to support his career as an Artist. Dave has been working as an independent artist since 1981. His sculptures have been displayed in numerous government buildings & exhibitions throughout Holland.After a holiday to visit friends in 2005, Dave & his wife Janine decided to move their family to New Zealand. After arriving in New Zealand in 2006 Dave changed his craftsmanship to paintings, & continues to use this medium to express his artistry.Dave currently works from his home in West Auckland, New Zealand.