The Target

The goal of Dutch Wood Artist (DWA) is to create (functional) art with wood to serve as an inspiration for young craftspeople and professionals. Plus, to bring visibility and appeal to learning a craft and its associated craftsmanship. Motto: Functional art is also art. How often is autonomous art not created during work? With wood art, I mainly refer to art that has an explicit function: a floor, a staircase, a table. However, I don't exclude the possibility of creating functional art, nor I do not exclude that I will create things that are not at all functional. After all, art is exploration. For me, it is about connecting craft with art. Art is by definition free expression. Expression is being uninhibited and daring in making your own choices.  I combine my craft with that aspect in me which is artistic. This is by no means a given for everyone. Young people especially would be able to better appreciate themselves if they were to learn a beautiful trade with which they create things with their hands! 

Sub-goals:

  • Primary: Demonstrate to young people that you can be creative within a craft.
  • Show that creating something with your hands can be deeply satisfying.
  • Stimulate youths and adults to reflect more about why they do something, and that they should follow their own path without trying to impress or prove someone wrong. 
  • In short, to encourage people to seek self-awareness and self-development.

Other means of spreading the message:

  • Giving guest lectures at schools and relaying my story about self-purpose and meaning. That working with your hands can provide you great satisfaction, that the sector is desperate for professionals, and that ‘craftsmanship is a specialty’ (‘Vakmanschap is Meesterschap’). 
  • Discussing the Night Watch project and my motivation at public events and other suitable meetings.
  • Brainstorming with other artists and professionals, if possible establishing art projects together and involving young people in the process.
  • Collaborating with coaches and various inspiring figures.
  • Writing a book in a few years' time (working title: 'Stop doing shit you dont like').

The things I do and will do:

  • Create the Night Watch of wood and other artistic projects.
  • Design and create (and lay) exclusive patterned floors.

Dutch Wood Artist Foundation

The purpose of the foundation

  • To bring attention to crafts and craftsmanship, and promote their importance, especially among young people.
  • To perform all other actions that are related to or may be conducive to the above in the broadest sense. 
  • The foundation pursues its objectives by all legal means, including, but not limited to.
  • Support functional art (craftsmanship).
  • Bringing visibility to artists and works of art - those who create or have created something on the basis of a craft, or supporting them financially.
  • Bring discussions of creativity to educational institutions and promote its implementation.
  • Raising awareness of the importance of purpose, meaning and responsibility, and thereby promoting self-knowledge and self-development.
  • To promote creative thinking in the broadest sense of the word.
  • The foundation expressly does not aim to make a profit.
  • The foundation aims at the general benefit.