FAQ's

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What do you make?

A common thread through all my projects is that they are based on a certain craft, technique or mechanism. Something that fuels all my projects is my hands-on approach; through experimentation, new forms and combinations appear.
I like to dive into a specific technique and, once I understand how it works, I give it a new meaning by placing it in another context. An example is 3D weaving and basketry; I applied my experiments in many contexts and created a world around it: the Basketclub project.

Transformative processes in cultural and natural contexts also significantly inform my work. I like to embrace change and degeneration. Instead of thriving for an ideal state of things, I make room for wear and tear. Mimicking natural transformative processes leads to dynamic works that stay interesting to look at over time, such as Ripening Rugs.

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They say Cancers are very adventurous and colourful. They are thought to be expressive, hands-on creators with a drive to change the world. How does this reflect in your work?

I am not very much into star signs.

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I always wonder how you survive. Do you run an illegal drug lab on the side?

My commissions emerge from all corners of the creative scene. Most of the time, I do not know on what or for whom I will be working for in a few months.
At the moment I am doing a project for Adidas, but it can also be visuals for an obscure magazine or the creation of an inflatable sculpture like I did in The Hague recently. Over the last few years, I have also designed several interiors and a pop-up store for Rotterdam based brand Susan Bijl.

Next to these commissions I thoroughly enjoy working on self-initiated projects to develop my skills and to express myself. An example are my 3D weaving experiments that later led me to start Basketclub, which in turn opened the door for me to curate and design an exhibition about basketry for Crafts Council NL.

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Do you have a dream commission?

I enjoy projects were I can be part of all phases of a project. The start of an idea is as exciting for me as making it work in reality. Sometimes, I work together with partners to assist me with the execution but in general, I like to have the production within my own control to be able to intuitively make changes along the way.
This way I do not need to have every detail or colour worked out up front. Instead of making explanatory CAD drawings on the details, I spend my time playing around with them when they become important.

Concerning my dream project, it has to be one where I am personally involved in the entire process. However, in the future I would like to bring this to a next level by collaborating with exciting people that enjoy pushing boundaries too, and by exploring new contexts such as a fashion show or a music festival.

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How do you deal with all the prizes that you win?

I am not a great fan of home decorations so they are not on my mantelpiece, but it makes my parents proud, which makes me happy.

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Why do you do what you do?

I have always had a urge to create things, to bring my imagination to life. What keeps changing is the context in which this happens. As a teenager, I really liked the speed of creation while working as a florist in my free time. When I studied interior design I quickly became frustrated by the limitations of the field and applied to the Design Academy in Eindhoven. My time spent there taught me to not just select furniture, but to create it from scratch and to materialise concepts.

When I started my Bachelor's degree in my 20s, I still thought of myself as a problem solving, world saving designer. Later on, I realised it might be best not to call me to design medical supplies and ergonomic chairs (although those can use a little spice, too).

Nowadays, I increasingly tend to let go of the functionality of an object. The creative process shifts to accommodating narratives and techniques and finding the appropriate shape for them. I like using a my skills to tell a story or to create an experience rather than something people can own.

Throughout the years, I have had the pleasure of working on a diverse range of projects including works for brands like Adidas, HAY and Susan Bijl and collaborations with partners such as Textielmuseum Tilburg and Crafts Council NL.