The Role of Traditional Craftsmanship in My Still Life Paintings: A Family Tradition

Craftsmanship is not just at the heart of my still life paintings—it’s woven into my family history. I come from a long line of master woodworkers who believed in creating pieces that would stand the test of time, both in form and function. Watching my family members carefully shape wood into beautiful, lasting furniture, I learned that craftsmanship is as much about patience and care as it is about skill.

One story that resonates with me to this day is when I helped build a desk with my father, a master woodworker himself. It wasn’t just about constructing a functional piece—it was about working together, planning each cut, sanding each surface, and making sure every joint fit perfectly. The process required focus, intention, and a deep respect for the materials we used. That experience planted the seeds for the approach I now take in my art.

As a painter, especially in the realm of still life, I approach each piece with that same dedication to detail. Like my family’s woodworking, I use traditional techniques passed down through generations of Dutch Golden Age painters—artists who mastered the play of light and shadow, texture, and composition.

The objects I paint, whether a piece of fruit, a vase, or an antique, are carefully observed and rendered with precision. Each brushstroke is as deliberate as the cuts made in wood, revealing the intricate relationship between the object and its surrounding space.

Still life paintings, like handcrafted furniture, demand attention to detail and respect for tradition. It’s a slow and meditative process, one that allows me to immerse myself fully in the creation of something that is meant to endure. I find inspiration in the careful work of my family’s woodworking tradition, and I strive to infuse that same spirit into my paintings.

Through my art, I carry forward both my family’s legacy of craftsmanship and the timeless techniques of Dutch Golden Age painters. It’s a way of honoring where I come from while exploring my own artistic vision, combining precision with personal expression. The result is a body of work that invites viewers to look closer, to appreciate the delicate balance of light and shadow, and to find peace in the stillness of everyday objects.

Sign up for my newsletter and uncover the hidden beauty in everyday life. Be the first to see new works and hear the stories behind the objects that inspire my still life paintings.