Meet the Maker: Cees van Soestbergen

‘My name is Cees van Soestbergen and I am a traditional carver. From 1800 on my family has been working with wood. I am a fifth generation Van Soestbergen working with wood, but unfortunately there are no successors. My seven cousins are all in IT. I did have had a few students. But I do think you have to have the crafts presented to you in a natural way, in order to make it your life. If you have seen your grandfather practicing the crafts and heard the stories about it, there is more feeling with is and the process of learning and finding a passion goes more natural.’

What can Crafts Council do for you?
’It is first and foremost about what you (ed. Crafts Council) already have been doing; noticing an issue and working with and on it. Just like ‘Maatschappij tot nu van ‘t Algemeen’ does. It would be a great idea if you initiated contests. Starting a conversation is the first step. We as makers are people who do not naturally speak up for themselves, which is why the skills and knowledge never leave the work spaces and ateliers. As a craftsman it should never feel like you have to teach your crafts to others; you have to transfer it to others.’

More of this entry is available in Dutch.