Long before my training as a goldsmith in Schoonhoven, I was enchanted by many treasures from lost times that were brought together in museums and other collections. I started studying small objects, such as pots, jewelry, beads, bottles, amulets and statues. Finding out which civilization, culture, person and use lies behind these objects, stimulated me. I could not just let go of these objects. Learning the craft of goldsmithing was for me the way to bring my connection with these old objects and motifs to life.