Levi Silvanie and Rosabelle Illes met in 2010. They were introduced by their mutual friend
and poet Hemayel Martina (1990-2011). The loss of their friend brought Levi and
Rosabelle closer. Hearty the Book is dedicated to the loving memory of Hemayel Martina.
Levi Silvanie (1987) is a Curaçaoan artist and creative entrepreneur: music-maker, writer, brand & business developer, and coach. After having to remodel his life and career due to a car accident, Levi turned to songwriting and storytelling as sources of self-development and motivation. “My work is inspired by the passion for helping individuals and brands identify and enhance their potential; music and storytelling are my tools.” The message of his hit song “Djis mi mes” (“Simply me,” 2010) forms the backbone of this book.
Co-author
Rosabelle Illes (1987) is an artist, writer and performer from the island of Aruba. She is the author of three collections of poetry and short stories. Her work has been published in international journals and she has performed at several literature festivals around the world including Colombia, Taiwan, The Netherlands and New York City. With her art, Rosabelle usually explores aspects of life she does not understand. “Through meditation, I receive inspiration to create and simultaneously educate myself.” A social psychologist by trade and an artist at heart, she holds a PhD in Psychology from Leiden University and is an assistant professor at the University of Aruba. This is her first children’s book.