Niek grew up in the Netherlands in a region with a long tradition of slipware pottery making, his initial training began with one of the last traditional slipware potters in his local town.

"Slipware ceramics have a tradition of passing on, embelishing everyday life and celebrating and commemorating occasions"

"Traditions are important for passing on cultural heritage, but they can also narrow the view. To keep traditions alive, they must also be open to outside influences"