Art design and industrial design were thought to not mix well but in the case of Maarten everything was built spontaneously. His graduation collection was part of an artistic design but he didn’t want to be locked into a category. “I like the freedom that comes with working with galleries, but I also appreciate the technical and budgetary constraints of industrial design. I really like to be able to speak to a wider audience through democratic objects.” “In terms of my personal work, I like to think in a series, rather than single or isolated objects. My first series: “utcseSi a s”was the start of my success with the Milan gallery Nilufar. Over time, these series
grow and give rise to new pieces.” This series is perhaps one of the most striking examples of his work and gives an impression of timelessness, travel and adventure. Maarten is known for the highly evocative, poetic and playful touch he gives his objects. He uses his
work to tell stories, to stir people's emotions, to inspire their imagination and to make them wonder. He continuously explores new materials and investigates in production techniques and crafts. The emotional aspect of objects is equally important as the functional, and he has great attention for detail. He likes to use materials in unconventional ways, and his objects never cease to surprise.
