Maker's Story

Bordering nature a reserve “the Ilperveld”, Rik Blaauw and his company Blaauw Hout manufacture wooden bowls from tree trunks in an artisanal crafted way. "I am involved in the whole process from tree to product. It is beautiful to see how with every step the story of the tree comes more to life."

After studying at the Design Academy Eindhoven, Rik started a workshop where material, story and craft are central. "The trees I work with have their own history. One stood along the train track, tanther comes from someone's backyard. Because of this, no product is the same."

Rik uses as many trees as possible that have been felled locally and will otherwise end up as wood pulp or firewood. "I think it's important to be more sustainable with the resources in our world. That's why I make a tree - from head to toe - come into its own by making multiple products from it." In his workshop, Rik not only makes bowls, but also tabletops and other products.

"From local trees I make products with stories. For example, a series of bowls made of wood from Amsterdam school gardens."

The Process

*From tree to bowl*

First, Rik turns the cut pieces of tree into rough bowls. "The wood shavings fly around my ears as the bowl is created in front of me. Then I let it dry for one to two years before processing it into its final form." During this natural drying process, each bowl deforms in its own way. Back on the lathe, Rik carefully allows the unique shape of each bowl to emerge.*

Products

Q&A

What motivates you to make?

I have a passion to create things in this world. I think it is important to do this in a way that is sustainable.  "I think it's important to be more sustainable with the resources in our world. That's why I make a tree - from head to toe - come into its own by making multiple products out of it." In his workshop, Rik not only makes bowls, but also tabletops and other products

What and/or who are you most inspired or influenced by?

*Mother Nature: let me be guided by the story a tree has to tell me and try to combine old craft techniques and modern processes to get the most out of a tree.*

*If a tree has been through a lot in its life, it shows in the wood. I try not to hide this, but to celebrate imperfections. This gives products character.*

What is your unique approach to your craft and how have you honed your skills?

No idea, I create, that is "normal" for me I leave it to others to see if this is unique or not

What is your defining or proudest moment as a maker so far?

I am in the service of what I get to make. Pride has no place in that. I feel pride when I manage to turn trees that are considered waste into valuable objects that can be enjoyed for a long time to come.

What is your dream project?

Collaboration with municipalities or other large institutions where we will use the full potential of trees, and see wood from trees no longer as a waste product but as a raw material.