Love for wood
I have always enjoyed working with wood, a craft I believe I inherited from my grandfather, who was a true jack-of-all-trades. To me, creating a wooden bowl is like giving the tree a second life. I primarily work with locally sourced timber that would otherwise be destined for burning, such as ash, oak, maple, walnut, and cherry—predominantly hardwoods native to the Netherlands.
I began woodturning in 2011, and over the years, I’ve shared my creations with family, friends, and colleagues, occasionally selling pieces to clients.
Creating a wooden bowl can take up to two years, depending on its size. The process begins with cutting a log into a manageable blank, followed by rough turning and hollowing out the bowl’s shape. It then takes about a year per 2.5 cm of wall thickness for the wood to dry naturally. During the drying process, the bowl changes shape, often elongating into an oval. Once dry, the bowl is turned again to achieve its final shape, and a finish is applied.
I prefer using food-safe finishes—natural oils and waxes—particularly for bowls intended to hold fruit or salad. Beyond the wood’s grain, which tells its own story, the type of finish enhances its contrast and color. Equally important is the bowl’s form: how it feels in the hands, how it draws us in visually, and how it invites touch. These elements together create an object that is both functional and beautiful.
