Welcome to Poetry in Wood
For many years, working with wood has been more than a craft—it’s been my passion. What began as a journey in painting has grown into the creation of unique wooden art pieces, allowing me to explore and celebrate the natural beauty and versatility of wood. Through my studio, Poetry in Wood, I share not only my craftsmanship but also my emotions, where each piece tells a different story. In Poetry in Wood, my artistry meets my stories, and wood becomes my voice.
My Artistic Journey
My journey began in the late 1980s when I started working as a painter. During this time, I also received formal training as a furniture maker, which introduced me to the world of craftsmanship and design.
Around the 1990s, I discovered my deep fascination with wood—an interest that emerged almost by accident. One day, I picked up a magazine featuring an article by late Professor Koos Verhoeff, whose work intrigued me. Later, I read about his exhibition in a newspaper and decided to attend. That encounter became a turning point in my artistic journey. Koos’ mathematical insights opened my eyes to new forms and possibilities, inspiring me to explore the intersection of art and mathematics.
Motivated by this meeting, I began creating objects that seamlessly combined artistic expression with mathematical precision. Some of my earliest pieces were even commissioned by Koos himself and remain a testament to the synergy between art and science that continues to shape my work.
Over time, my artistic vision has evolved into a relentless pursuit of perfection. For me, creating art is a process of trial and error—a journey of continuous refinement until each piece achieves its fullest potential. Like an athlete honing their craft, I approach every project with discipline, persistence, and an unwavering commitment to improvement. Yet, this challenge is one I choose to keep behind the scenes. My goal is for you to experience the beauty and effortlessness of the final piece, without ever seeing the struggles and complexities behind its creation. I live by Leonardo da Vinci’s words: “Art is never finished, only abandoned.” Every piece I create embodies this philosophy, balancing the discipline of perfectionism with the joy of discovery.
What You’ll Find Here
On this website, you’ll find a thoughtfully curated collection of my projects, each highlighting a variety of designs through photos and videos of the sample pieces I’ve created in my studio. You may wonder, why woodwork? Wood possesses a timeless charm that has always captivated me. Its warmth, character, and unique qualities make it an endlessly inspiring material to work with.
In my studio, I dedicate myself to crafting wooden objects with great attention to detail. Precision is key, along with the right tools and techniques. Each project begins with a raw piece of wood, often reclaimed wood, carefully transformed into something meaningful and enduring. As you explore the catalog, you’ll notice that no two pieces of wood are alike—each carries its own story. My work is about unveiling that story and allowing you to embrace its beauty and history.
If you’re interested, you can purchase these sample pieces, with detailed specifications provided on their profiles. Alternatively, you can place an order for a custom piece, specifying the size and possibly any other design preferences to meet your unique needs—while preserving the essence and soul of the original design.
Impact and Recognition
My work has made a meaningful impact across various communities and has been well-received in different settings. For example, several years ago, I had the honor of selling two tree designs to the Mathematics and Computer Science Department at TU/e. These pieces were chosen to be part of their permanent showcase, where they remain on display for the public to enjoy today.
In addition, I have had the pleasure of selling my designs to mathematicians, as well as to shops that sell products related to mathematics. My creations have also been sought after by businesses looking to enhance their interiors. I’ve also had the privilege of selling pieces to universities, where they were given as gifts to retiring professors and staff members, celebrating their years of service.
The majority of my sales have been by request, with clients reaching out to commission custom pieces tailored to their specific needs. Of course, I am also grateful to have sold pieces to private customers who wanted to add unique designs to their homes.
Thank You for Visiting
Thank you for visiting Poetry in Wood. I hope that my pieces inspire you as much as the process of creating them has inspired me.
Hans de Koning
Owner
Poetry in Wood by Hans de Koning 