THE SMOELIEMOELIE

2025 / Large-scale sculpture made with Krista Smulders at Odapark

THE SMOELIEMOELIE started as a small spontaneous idea between life and art partners Krista Smulders and Michiel Ubels, inspired by their love for children’s boundless imagination and fearless creativity. They wanted to create a sculpture for the Sculpture Forest at Odapark that was colorful, bold, and a little rebellious. From the start, kids of all ages joined in, sharing ideas from the sweet to the outrageous. Krista and Michiel brought all these creations together in multiple scale models, shaping the playful, eccentric, and sometimes cheeky character of the work.

The project gained momentum through a successful crowdfunding campaign and support from an unexpected source: a local women’s entrepreneurs club, who helped raise extra funds with a cookbook of local recipes. Krista sculpted the final design at her kitchen table during a very special moment, while heavily pregnant with their baby. The model was then 3D-scanned and professionally enlarged by Blowups, giving the sculpture its striking, larger-than-life presence in the Sculpture Forest.

THE SMOELIEMOELIE celebrates imagination, curiosity, and fearless creativity. Colorful, daring, and a little rebellious, it’s a tribute to everyone who dares to break the rules and color outside the lines.

With thanks to Kiwanis Rooyse Ladies, PLUS Guido van Dijck, Blowups, and all the supporters who contributed through Voordekunst.nl