'You are never too old to learn'

THE REINFORCEMENT OF TWO MATERIALS
Every artisan is being influenced by its surroundings, according to Jan. But it’s hard to say just how defining these influences are. He doesn't think about it, he just lets it happen. His roots lay in the horticultural world. Back in the days, there was a ‘rule’ that when you become a horticulturist and something breaks down on your tractor, greenhouse or machines, you have to fix it yourself first. And Jan believes that’s where it all started. He worked a lot with wood, but also with metals. Nowadays, he combines the two materials, to reinforce each other.

WATCH, LEARN AND REPEAT
The craft of woodturning started somewhere mid nineties for Jan, by attending the annual demo days of the union of woodturners. He watched, learned and repeated at home. Once, Jan was asked to restore an antique chess set. That was the right occasion to immerse himself in the different techniques used in history used in turning chess pieces.  Many antique pieces exist out of separately turned parts that are screwed together by so-called stroked screw thread. This was made entirely by hand using special chisels on the lathe. A technique that is centuries old, but almost lost. Luckily, this has now become Jan’s speciality.

DEDICATION TO CRAFTSMANSHIP
Craftsmanship is the most important to Jan. He thinks people should dedicate their life to work on that to make it better. Next to that, the connection between the object and the observer, is the only value of art to him. That is pure emotion. To Jan, the most important thing is that there’s a click between him and his craft. And if the people who see his work feel that too, it’s a nice extra. Jan doesn't believe his works tell a particular story, he either doesn't feel the need to tell a story through his craft. He’s a realist, not a dreamer. He takes each day as it comes, usually good, sometimes less good. The only thing he wants to become is old and healthy.

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