Gert Jan Slotboom was born in Wageningen on 15 September 1957. He completed his education at the Academy of Arts in Utrecht (Artibus, now Hogeschool voor de Kunsten). He was educated to become an independent artist in the "Monumental tradition" with 'painting' as his main subject.
In 1983 he graduated. With a group of artists he initiated "Doughnut & Devrient" in 1985. "Doughnut & Devrient" published and edited art prints, they have edited art calendars, art books and portfolios of exclusive art prints. Painting however, has always remained his main objective.
In 1987 Gert Jan Slotboom moved to Sneek where he became an active member of "BAS" (Beeldend Actief Sneek). From 1988 till 1997 he was one of the members responsible for the ballot. They decide which artists are chosen to exhibit in the BAS-Gallery. Since 2001 he has been responsible for all BAS' posters, flyers and other promotional items. In 2007 he rejoined the BAS committee.
During his education in Utrecht, Slotboom was known for his expressive abstracts. His current style can be described as realistic expressionism. The subject of the painting can be recognised by the viewer, but the flamboyant style of painting leads away from the image itself.
During the last 25 years Slotboom has exhibited his work in the Netherlands and abroad: Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam, Arnhem, Apeldoorn, Kockengen, Den Helder, Sneek, (and villages near Sneek) Oslo and Frankfurt.
Slotboom's paintings can be found in private and public collections. His work is bought by the RU Utrecht (University of Utrecht), the Bruna publishing company, the Central Museum in Utrecht, the Museum for Contemporary Art in Utrecht, the 'Stedelijk Museum' in Amsterdam and the Sneek City Council.