NDSM Open 2024

Celebrating Creativity and Community at NDSM Open

The NDSM Open is one of the most vibrant and inspiring events in Amsterdam’s cultural calendar. Located in the dynamic NDSM area—a former shipyard turned creative hub—it brings together artists, makers, and the public for a day filled with art, innovation, and collaboration. Studios and workshops open their doors to visitors, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creative process and inviting people to engage directly with the work of the community.

This year, I had the privilege of participating in the NDSM Open, sharing my artistic journey and my passion for sustainability with a broader audience. My studio, located in the Treehouse NDSM, became a welcoming space for creativity, connection, and exploration as I hosted a special activity centered on one of my favorite projects: coffee clay.

Inviting Creativity Through a Collective Mosaic

For this year’s event, I wanted to create something interactive that would not only showcase my work but also bring people together in the spirit of collaboration. The idea of a collective mosaic was born—a project where visitors could contribute their creativity to a shared piece of art. Using coffee clay, a sustainable material I create by combining coffee grounds with flour scraps from my pasta workshops, participants were invited to decorate individual tiles that would come together to form a larger mosaic.

The process was simple yet inspiring:

1. Pick a Tile – Visitors selected a pre-formed coffee clay piece, each with its unique shape and texture.

2. Decorate with Care – With an array of eco-friendly paints, tools, and embellishments, participants let their imaginations run wild, adding their personal touch to the tile.

3. Place Your Piece – Once completed, the tiles were placed onto a collective board, gradually forming a striking mosaic that represented the collective creativity of everyone involved.

This activity wasn’t just about art—it was about community. Each tile was a small but meaningful contribution to something greater, symbolizing how individual efforts, when combined, can create something truly beautiful.

Coffee Clay: Sustainability Meets Creativity

The choice to use coffee clay was intentional, as it reflects the core values of my practice—**sustainability and innovation**. By repurposing coffee grounds and flour scraps that would otherwise be discarded, I aim to demonstrate how waste can be transformed into something useful and artistic. Visitors were fascinated by the process behind the material, many of them remarking on its earthy texture and versatility.

The activity also served as an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of reducing waste and finding creative ways to repurpose everyday materials. People of all ages, from children to adults, embraced the idea enthusiastically, adding their personal flair to their tiles while learning about the concept of sustainability in art.

A Day of Connection and Inspiration

One of the most rewarding aspects of the NDSM Open was the chance to meet and connect with so many people—fellow artists, art enthusiasts, families, and curious passersby. My studio was buzzing with energy throughout the day as visitors explored the space, admired my works, and asked questions about my process.

Many were intrigued by the idea of blending culinary and artistic practices, which is a cornerstone of my work. From handmade paper crafted from food scraps to coffee clay jewelry, my projects often spark conversations about the intersection of art, sustainability, and everyday life.

The Finished Mosaic: A Collective Masterpiece

As the day progressed, the mosaic began to take shape, and it was truly a sight to behold. Each tile, decorated with care and creativity, contributed to a larger story—one of community, sustainability, and the power of collaboration. By the end of the event, the mosaic was complete, a testament to the collective spirit of everyone who participated.

The finished piece will remain a cherished reminder of the event and the connections it fostered. For me, it also serves as inspiration for future projects and collaborations that bring people together around art and sustainability.

Looking Ahead

Participating in the NDSM Open has been an incredible experience, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who visited my studio, contributed to the mosaic, or simply stopped by to learn about my work. Events like these highlight the power of art to connect people, spark conversations, and inspire change.

If you missed this year’s event, don’t worry! My studio is always open by appointment, and I regularly host workshops and activities where you can explore techniques like handmade paper making, eco-printing, and yes, even crafting with coffee clay. Keep an eye on my website and social media for updates on upcoming events and workshops, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to collaborate or create something together.

Join the Journey

Art, sustainability, and community are at the heart of everything I do, and the NDSM Open is a perfect reflection of these values. Whether through collaborative projects like the mosaic, educational workshops, or simply sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to see the beauty in repurposing, the joy in creativity, and the potential for art to make a difference.

Thank you to everyone who made this event unforgettable. Let’s keep creating, connecting, and building a more sustainable future—one piece of art at a time!

https://www.ndsmopen.nl/