HOMO FABER FELLOWSHIP
Rutger Graas
©Rutger Graas§
Rutger Graas
©Rutger Graas
Rutger Graas
©Rutger Graas
Rutger Graas
©Rutger Graas
Rutger Graas
©Erik and Petra Hesmerg
Rutger Graas
©Rutger Graas

Rutger Graas

Maaklab

Furniture making

Amsterdam, Netherlands

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.”

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

Discover his work

INTERVIEW

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.

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

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.

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.

1 DESTINATION

Amsterdam: creativity along the water canals