My Story

Hi there,

Let me start off where I  became interested in the arts. My father Otto Eduard Schroeder was then running his own art school in Windhoek Namibia. I attended those classes as they were inspiring -being confronted with all different crafts besides pencil and paper – Lino Printing- etching – wood carving etc. plus his theoretical art classes conducted on art history- a must for art education. School – Goldsmith  Apprenticeship  – my MA studies of Jewelry and Tableware  Design in Germany gave me a sound foundation.

I especially thank my father for his advice completing a 3-year bench work apprenticeship first before my design studies -I can confirm his advice- it really makes the actual working process so much easier.

Back to designing or planing as I would like to call it.

Most of my work is based on 4 stations on the road of a tangible result –

                    discover – investigate – define and develop

I consider discovery as most important as it outlines the probability of the birth of an interesting product and hints on whether to further investigate and research. Defining the product entails the customers brief in mind – utility – price range – the form -surface treatment- production method and the material to be used. After this stage the developing takes it course – pencil sketches- CAD drawings – paper models – small scale model to get the “feel” of it are completed to be presented to the customer if required.

Obviously, my personal experience, exposure and a good ability to visualize give me the confidence required during this journey to find solutions for sometimes very demanding assignments.

During any of my planing journeys,  interesting incidences brighten up development processes, often changing the line of thought with interesting results and last not least emerging spin-offs for further processing consideration.

When asked what inspires me? –  the answer is almost everything that makes sense – music – travelling – visiting exhibitions – going to museums – having good food- enjoying time with family and friends.

Wherever – whenever – however – I always keep an open mind – listen and observe and note.

I can only recommend that you process everything you’re seeing, hearing, and reading on a daily basis, and let it translate through your hands into works of art.

Abbreviated CV