Maker's Story

born and raised in West Friesland in 1957 between the potatoes and the cabbages. In 1977 I worked at De Kleine Aarde for a while. Klaas also worked there. In my opinion, Klaas could do magic with wood. What he could do! I would want that. And that is still my goal.

As a maker you have to think about: What am I looking for? What do I think? What am I showing? And I continue to be amazed by the beauty of wood. And I thought: how can I pass that on? If I make a puzzle from a crazy, characteristic piece of wood, the buyer or warrior also has to look or feel at how beautiful that piece of wood is.

The Process

As a wood turner I sometimes get a question and then I look for the wood. Sometimes I get the wood and then I try to get the best out of it, sometimes a bowl, sometimes a sphere or a puzzle or something else.

Products

Q&A

What motivates you to make?

Moving and doing makes you happy. Making something is even more beautiful: the happy feeling when something comes out of your hands...

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

My father and grandfather were horticulturists and arable farmers. They were proud of the tasty and beautiful cabbages and potatoes that they grew in their fields. You immediately recognize the pride of a creative person. In my field, I have learned a lot from Maria van Kesteren's approach. But I get the most inspiration from the wood that I work. Trees are such beautiful creatures.

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

Behind my lathe I have time or brain space left to philosophize. This way I can remain curious and open to new ideas. This way it remains fun to keep going.

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

An idealist is never lonely. I realize that I stand on the shoulders of predecessors with 5,000 years of tradition. By showing and telling what I do, I met fellow woodworkers and we held very nice exhibitions together. An exhibition where you have to recover from all the pats on the back for weeks...

What is your dream project?

Back to the workshop tomorrow.