Rutger Graas

Furniture pieces made with love

• Rutger creates with his hands, head and heart
• He started his business right after graduating
• His childhood dream was to become an architect

Master woodworker Rutger Graas has been transforming rough wood into polished furniture as an independent artisan ever since he graduated. “I learned in college that I wanted to do it all: developing concepts, interacting with clients, creating with my hands and the pleasure of making people happy with my work.” With his craft, Rutger does not shy away from innovative techniques, like digital drawing programs and 3D scanning. “Digital support is just another tool in my toolbox. What matters is creating something with a soul.”

Interview

©Rutger Graas

©Rutger Graas

What is the basis of your craft?

Working with my hands, head and heart. Creating with my hands, thinking hard with my head and loving what I do with my heart. It is also crucial to take the time to learn, to grow patiently.

Is there something about your work that people do not realise?

That it is very difficult to make things look simple and convincing.

Do you remember your first creation?

In my first year at woodworking college, I had some time to spare, so I made a crazy sculptural tripod chair with Japanese-inspired constructions.

Is your craft in danger, do you think?

Very much so. Until people start learning to use their hands again, all craft is in danger. In addition, the most powerful marketing tools are only affordable to big industries, so the lack of visibility only makes things worse for individual artisans.

Rutger Graas is a master artisan: he began his career in 1994 and he started teaching in 2000

Works

©Erik and Petra Hesmerg

©Erik and Petra Hesmerg

©Erik and Petra Hesmerg

©Erik and Petra Hesmerg

©Erik and Petra Hesmerg

Where