A Life Forged in Gouda Born in Gouda, Netherlands, on 31 December 1941, Koos de Bruin’s early years were marked by a departure from the traditional path. After a difficult childhood, he left home at fourteen, finding work as a road worker and truck driver to sustain himself. It was during these long hours and evening shifts that his inclination toward art began to take a firm hold. He eventually sought formal training at the Royal Acad…