Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do.

 I am Nienke Sikkema. I’ve been working as a glassblower/designer/artist (still don’t really know what to call myself to be honest, probably the best way to describe myself is just someone who makes things with glass) for 8 years now. I make all kinds of things, some you can actually use, others not but everything I make is colorful and not too serious.

When did your interest in glass blowing begin? 

When I first visited the studio where I work now, de Oude Horn it’s called and it is a truly magical place full of shimmering colors and I don’t know inspiration, I guess.

Is there a phrase, an idea, or a notion that feels central to your practice or that continues to resonate?

 I think qualities of and possibilities of glass as a material are leading in my work and are basically the starting point of everything I make.

Do you have a creative comfort zone? 

I think working in the studio is my creative comfortzone, almost everything that surrounds it is not to be honest.

How important is experimentation in your work? 

Very, it’s the base of my work I would say. Many things fail but that’s ok. Every time I see something interesting happening along the way to that failure that can still be inspiring and lead to a next idea or work.

Is there such a thing as failure in art making? 

I think so but the road that leads to that failure is almost always useful.

How often do you work? Is it better to be diligently consistent in your practice, keep regular hours, or better to work only when you feel most inspired? 

I work 4 days a week now that I have two small babies. Before, I often would work on the weekends or on whenever I needed to. For me it works really well to not only work when I have inspiration but to be a little bit forced to just do something. I am quite critical of my own work so if I wouldn’t work this way I might start procrastinating. When I feel a lot of inspiration it does help of course and it makes the work much more fun.

What kind of vibe do you like to have going on in your studio while you’re working? Is there music, do you like to hang out where you work, or do you like to maintain your studio space for work and work only? 

Our studio is an amazing place. It’s an old water mill turned into a glass studio by Bernard Heesen, the glassblower/artist that owns the studio. We always listen to music and used to hang out or have parties there as well. Now I have two small babies at home so for the time being I have a bit more of a tight schedule.

When you are working, do you consider where the work might end up or how it might function in someone’s home or business? 

 Not really to be honest I kind of try not to think of those things but just to make things I want to make, regardless of where they might end up or how they will function exactly.

Why should we have beautiful things around us? 

Because it brings us (me at least) a lot of joy. Imagine a world without beauty, that would be utterly depressing. Beautiful things don’t always have to be design or art though it can be anything. I mean nature is probably the best example of beauty that you cannot live without almost I think.

Your work is often very cheerful, very colorful, vivid—has your work always been this way? 

 Yes I think so, I have always loved color. My house is also very colorful. I don’t think I have often made something without color actually.

What do you want someone to walk away with after experiencing your work? 

A smile, and I hope they get a sense of how magical glass can be and how lively, joyful and vibrant.

How does your work function in tandem with others? Is collaboration important?

 Yes for sure in the sense that glassblowing isn’t a solo profession. You always have to work together and need people assisting you. On top of that, I really like to discuss my work with other people and get their feedback.