Maker's Story

Chris was born in 1976 in Rotterdam and studied at the HMC in Amsterdam. After school he started his own studio from Den Bosch where he still works on his own projects and ideas. The Bosche furniture maker puts something unique and fun into his work by using his curiosity and energy. But with a focus on the basic materials. His works are perfectly made and each object seems to have its own character. Adding a tension somewhere in the object keeps it captivating without screaming.

“I definitely work from an idea, and then from a design. I’m someone who’s trying to get the wood to do what I want. I use certain aspects of its natural, physical properties. Some people get hypnotised by the timber itself, whereas I want to be in control of it.”

The Process

Chris usually work from an idea or a feeling. Deciding less in advance allows him to do adjust his work resulting in something more interesting and a better end result. But as a slightly chaotic (former?) ADHD-er this may not really be a choice either.
He is someone who tries to make the wood do what he wants it to do but can just as easily spend time looking for just that piece of wood that makes the rest match.
As with his Only-Doors Cabinets, he takes pleasure in using “thrown away” material, and in this case letting the old doors speak for themselves without adding anything but his energy. So that, when they are finished, they are perfectly correct and can function as cabinets.

Products

Q&A

What motivates you to make?

The combination of having an idea and then trying to make it still feels like playing. I prefer to work alone and usually without a drawing so I can fully focus on what I'm making. But it also gives me a kick to, for example, make a flat-pack cabinet that is perfect on the drawing, down to the smallest detail. If the idea is good enough, making it is always a joy.

What and/or who are you most inspired or influenced by?

As a former ADHD man, I don't think I can complain about the flow of ideas that come along, but I find the work of Andy Goldsworth very inspiring. With minimal means and almost playing, he succeeds time and again in creating something lasting.

What is your unique approach to your craft and how have you honed your skills?

I trained as a craftsman cabinetmaker in Amsterdam and then started my own workshop. New ideas attract me more than classic crafts and I believe I prefer to look for how something can work, rather than for ready-made solutions.

What is your defining or proudest moment as a maker so far?

The first thing that comes to mind is a moment at a trade fair in Cologne. Here, a group of designers were standing near an insane reuse project and they mentioned (without knowing me) my Only Doors cupboard as the starting point of their research. The result was totally different but very cool!

What is your dream project?

As I almost always answer this question, designing my own house or even neighbourhood seems like a great challenge to me. I don't (always?) think that everything can and should be better but something more playful and exciting would be fine.