Willem van Hooff is an Eindhoven-based artist and designer born in 1992 in the Netherlands, whose practice is rooted in a fascination with forgotten techniques, raw materials, and authentic making. After graduating from the Design Academy Eindhoven in 2018, he established his own studio in Eindhoven, where he works as a self-described modern craftsman. Van Hooff challenges the soulless nature of contemporary mass production by reintroducing traditional methods, existing products, and primitive techniques into a modern design context.

Central to Willem’s philosophy is the belief that a meaningful object must possess mind, body, and soul. The mind represents purpose and functionality, the body reflects visual harmony and material presence, and the soul gives an object its character, individuality, and emotional depth. By closely studying the intrinsic qualities of materials and allowing their raw nature to guide the creative process, he creates objects that feel honest, tactile, and deeply personal rather than polished or uniform.

His work often results in sculptural totems that bridge past and present through rough textures and visible construction marks. In his earthenware practice, Van Hooff applies simple architectural principles, treating clay as a building material rather than a decorative medium. Using a horizontal construction method, he builds solid cores that emphasize structure, weight, and balance, celebrating imperfection, material honesty, and the enduring value of the handmade object.

Condition

Each sculpture is handmade and therefore unique in form, surface, and proportion. The glaze varies from piece to piece, resulting in differences in color, texture, and structure across each earthenware sculpture. These variations are inherent to the artist’s process and are considered integral to the work. The underside of each piece is signed by Willem van Hooff, confirming authenticity.

We have consciously chosen to photograph all of our items in their current state to present the real original condition as completely as possible for transparency towards our clients.

In case you have any additional questions about the original condition, always feel free to reach out and ask us for additional images. The artist is available for custom commissions and can accommodate alternative color schemes upon request. Feel free to contact us to discuss the possibilities.