Coffee, to me, is a moment of connection.
A pause in the day where stories are shared and ideas begin to flow.
It is a moment I cherish most when it happens with fellow makers, artists and craftspeople who work with their hands, their minds and their hearts.
Over a cup of coffee, we talk about our work. The process, the doubts and the discoveries. We listen, we learn and we inspire one another. These moments shape my practice as much as the making itself.
These connections happen in my studio, but also during my travels far from home. Wherever I go, coffee becomes a universal language. An invitation to slow down, to meet and to exchange.
My work grows from these shared moments.
My motto is simple. Share the crafted beauty.
Photo: Ivo Hutten
Japan: Hachiro Dyeing Factory Ltd.
Hachiro Dyeing Factory Ltd. Japan, Kochi Prefecture, Kami City
On our travels, we like to seek out fellow artists and makers. This time we visited Hachiro Dyeing Factory Ltd. in Japan, run by a mother and her son.
Here they create furafu, large, brightly coloured flags decorated with heroic figures from Japanese folk tales and auspicious carp. Traditionally, these flags are flown to wish children a healthy and strong future. Although living spaces have changed and smaller versions are now more common, the original flags can reach up to six metres wide and three metres long. Today, these powerful designs also appear on tote bags, T-shirts and other everyday objects, allowing the tradition to continue in a contemporary way.
There was so much to see and talk about that there was no time for coffee. Our conversation took place through Google Translate, which sometimes led to unexpected and cheerful moments of misunderstanding. Even so, it became a warm and memorable exchange about craft, tradition and making.
Coffee with Quinten Plate of Fikeyowa
One of these shared moments was with my neighbour Quinten Plate of the brand Fikeyowa, from the atelier next to mine. Over a good cup of coffee, we spoke about our shared vision on handmade products: delivering quality through solid craftsmanship and honest materials. He aims to make the world better by using sustainable resources and producing clothing locally, rather than transporting it across the globe. By talking about design, craftsmanship and building a brand, we strengthen and inspire one another. And above all, it was simply an enjoyable moment together.
Fikeyowa stands for “Fibre Keeps You Warm”
Returning clothing to its pure essence. Rooted in simplicity, quality, and conscious craftsmanship, the brand offers a true alternative to fast fashion. Every piece is handmade in Arnhem, the Netherlands, with full transparency and care. Using only undyed, natural materials, Fikeyowa creates timeless garments that are gentle on the skin and respectful to the planet.
The top 3 photos: Quinten Plate
For website visit www.fikeyowa.com or press Home
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Butter Tea in the East of Bhutan
Eastern Bhutan in the mountains east of Radi
Also when we travel, we make a point of seeking out local craftspeople and artists. This time, in the mountains of Eastern Bhutan, we were warmly welcomed into a local home where raw silk is carefully transformed by hand into beautiful fabrics. Alongside this special demonstration, we were invited to share a delicious homemade meal and traditional butter tea.
As so often happens when people come together around craft, this moment naturally led to a meaningful conversation about making, materials and tradition. This time it was not coffee that accompanied the exchange, but Bhutan’s own butter tea. It was surprisingly tasty. The generosity and openness with which we were received made the day truly memorable.
Coffee with Stijn Kleijnen
Craft, art and coffee always give rise to conversation. This was also the case during my time at the Gelders Restauratie Centrum in Velp, where I met Stijn Kleijnen. After a career as a Spanish–English translator, he chose to retrain as a wood and restoration technician. Stijn is a modest person, yet his beautiful poetry has received several awards. Alongside his writing, he creates layered, poetic woodcut prints. He brought three of these prints for me, and they have found a special place in my atelier.
Together with his partner Mirjam, and of course over a good cup of coffee, we shared an inspiring conversation about art and craftsmanship
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stijn-kleijnen-6202991a/?originalSubdomain=nl
