Karel Zijlstra

Karel Zijlstra (1958, Leeuwarden), also spelled Karel Zylstra, is a Dutch sculptor and photographer. He trained at the Academie voor Industriële Vormgeving (Academy of Industrial Design) in Eindhoven. From 1989 onwards, he applied himself almost completely to bronze sculptures. In this period he discovered Celtic and medieval literature. Till today the King Arthur legends, the Holy Grail and Percival, and Celtic and Irish myths inspire him. Zijlstra’s sculptures show no feet, they rise out of the misty Irish land, like thin gods. Zijlstra is also active as a photographer. His works are exhibited in the Netherlands and abroad. He lives and works in Waalre.