The name Mokum is slang for Amsterdam. Well, Yiddisch slang really. But it has become so dutch, it's the most local way to say Amsterdam. And I still love this city! It's filthy and sleazy at times, but also open-minded, creative and easy-going. There's always something going on somewhere like any other world-city, but still it feels like a village. So here's my list of favorite spots in Mokum.
After my favorite sushi place closed, it took years to finally find a good sushi place and boy, was I lucky to find one just around the corner. Pretty good sushi and very nice and friendly people. Best for takeout or delivery.
Next to the Made in Mokum workshop is the Westerpark. Not so well known as the Vondelpark (sort of a Central Park in Amsterdam) but Westerpark is more of a creative place. Located in the west, you can get there by walking (!) from Central Station, along the best shopping street in Amsterdam, the Haarlemmerdijk. Shop shop shop. Westerpark has lots of different areas; there are also plenty of little places and restaurants and bars there. And lots of events: concerts, carnivals, markets and a monthly (first) Sunday Market.
Now don't be fooled; this is not an easy museum. Vrolik sound like frolick or 'vrolijk' (dutch for happy) but it isn't. Vrolik was a big anatomy proffessor in the early 19th century and this collection is hidden - but now open to the public - inside the biggest hospital, the Amsterdam Medical Centre. The collection consists of historical anatomical specimen. Now if you have a healthy relationship with life and death, you'll soon get over the initial eeky freakyness and then be mesmerized by the incredible physical structures that make up the human and animal body. There's definately infinite beauty in biology.
Ofcourse everyone has to see the Rijksmuseum and no trip is complete without seeing the Nightwatch or any other Rembrandt painting here. But please take some time to see the Asian wing. It's smaller than before but there are some surprises. They've put modern art amongst the ancient ceramics and that makes for a great discovery. I'm always intrigued by the Edmund de Waal display that hangs comfortably amongst the asian stuff. Very verrassend.
So this is where I first got my clay, then got it at another place and now I am back with this shop. Honestly, Amsterdam is not providing ceramic artists very well. You just can not buy porcelain in this city. Supply of clay is very limited and irregular. So I advice lots of recycling and digging for it yourself! Still a nice shop to visit as it is beautiful and the people are really nice.
Now this is a typical dutch kind of Art Deco. It flourished between 1910 and 1930 and it has some interesting influences. If you go around town (preferably on a bike) you can still see a lot of the architecture and the sculptures in the open air. And even the 100's of bridges are designed in this sober decorating style. I'm a big fan of omni-artist and 'city-sculptor' Hildo Krop but also love the work of Jaap Kaas, H.P. Berlage en Joseph Mendes da Costa.
Located a bit outside of Amsterdam, in Haarlem (yes, NY's Harlem is named after it) is just a few miles from Amsterdam and it's the only decent place to buy pro ceramic stuff. So lots of powders and clays and tools and very nice people. They have a great exhibite at the front of the huge shop, but it lacks one of my works, alas. To me it's a candyshop with very toxic oxide-candy. Mmmm. Borax!
The City Archives are now housed in this 1920s building, named after its architect. And it is a little hidden gem in the grachtengordel as very few people can find it. I just love how the big vault in the basement has been turned in the most intrigueing exhibition space.
A zoo is great and makes you feel like a child. Now don't go 'ah, animals in cages' on this one. Just give in and be amazed about natures tendency to evolve and come up with the greatest textures. Can't you just enjoy watching animals eat and fuck all day? So at 11:00 it's the vultures and butterflies. And after that the sealions. At 12:30 it's the reptiles and that's just awesome. At around 15:00 the lions and other carnivors get their meat. Amazing. Great sculptures of animals throughout the zoo by famous dutch artist.
Yep, it doesn't get more dutch than this: kroketten or in a fancy way "croquetten". Basically a 'ragout' deepfried in a crispy breadcrum-crust. Very nice and the best ones are made by Van Dobben. You can eat them at their establishment near the Rembrandtplein. But don't expect service or dutch 'gezelligheid'. It's very, very basic. So you won't find many tourists there. Nor any explanation in english. Just order a 'broodje van Dobben' and say 'ja, dank u wel'
I am an artisan potter based in Amsterdam. I create ceramic pieces I love and share them with you. I focus on making vases, bowls, and pots. If you’d like something custom-made, just ask—I can craft one especially for you or your loved ones (dead or alive). My work is sometimes dark and quirky, even wonky if that’s your style. I’m not overly concerned with traditional perfection.
I strive to create useful and beautiful pieces. Even without flowers, brushes, or branches, my vases can stand alone as beautiful objects. They are tough—but please, don’t throw them at people. All of my shapes and glazes are homebrewed, made right here in what I call Mokum.
Really, what more do you need to know? Drop me a note to share your thoughts, ask a question, place an order, or anything else you might need.
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