Croco Sculpture

Since I started making, playing with form, context, function and non-function has been central to my work. Archetypes and objects with historical, nostalgic or emotional value fascinate me. The narratives they carry, the typical signs of time. This lead to an ever-growing series of unique and handmade sculpture objects made from resin. Grabbing volume and form with just an open skin. This ambiguity fascinates me. Seemingly clear and obvious objects now carry a new message. I am intrigued by the archetypical and classical ceramic vases. Originated among the Far East and ancient Europe. I started challenging their function, material and history. Originally this kind of classical vases were not only functional vessels but also ‘canvases’ displaying contemporary drawings, symbols and representations of their time. Working with resin gives me freedom and instant expression in a three-dimensional way. It allows me to work with open skins, a variety of structures and layer upon layer, creating a thick and almost crude surface. I developed a unique resin technique. With each vase or object, I follow a process – from an idea, a collage or sketch, to preparing and making molds, mixing colors with pigments and making the sculpture by drawing, painting, splattering the resin on the canvas Endless possibilities for construction and structure are merged into one single material. Born (1972) and raised in Dokkum; the northern part of the Netherlands. I studied in the south, at The Design Academy in Eindhoven. Exchanges to Seattle, Barcelona, London, Hong Kong and Singapore. Since 2000 working and living in the harbor city Rotterdam, The Netherlands, where I have my workspace Straatsmastudio. My work is included in various private collections in Europe, Asia and North America. 2013 collection Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, Rotterdam, vase ‘Post Babylon’ 2011 nomination Dutch Design Prize Eindhoven 2008 collection Stedelijk Museum Schiedam, ‘Rubber nr14’ 2003 nomination Materiaalfonds, Rotterdam, ‘Portable lamp’ 1999 nomination Design Prize Rotterdam 1998 collection Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, Rotterdam, ‘Rubber nr14’