LOA Exclusives

Chris has a special place in my heart. If I could, I would want you to meet him in person as I am sure his warmth and energy would touch you as much as it touched me. He is exactly what LOA stands for; passing on craftsmanship from generation to generation.

A friend of my father came over for dinner the other day. She brought a small gift to celebrate our new home; a handmade vase. I asked her if this was her work, but it was made by her father Chris Hendriks (1937). She told me that he had to leave his farm due to his old age, but that he had made so many beautiful things which she tried to find a meaningful place for. I was intrigued and less than a week later I was sitting at the kitchen table with Chris.  

I spent the whole day with him and his stories. He has been a full time maker since 1993. From boats (where he took his family on vacation with) to paintings, ceramics and bronze statues. Chris has researched every possible material and tried to capture time and transience in it. His biggest inspiration is a human being and its nature. By sometimes literally exposing parts of a piece, it raises questions and stimulates the imagination. All pieces of Chris are unique and he never reproduced anything.

When I walked through his studio, it felt like I went through phases of his life. The paintings from times of family life, the ceramics as an expression of curiosity and the bronze statues as a form of fascination for the female body. After a tour of his farm (and the necessary coffee, cookies and anecdotes) I asked him what he wanted to do with all his work. His answer was simple. “Making people happy. I created it with love and I hope I can pass it on with love.” And here we are. I am very proud to have Chris's work represented at LOA. I hope his creations will touch you as much as they did me.

With love,

Anne-Claire (founder of LOA)

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