ABOUT
Based in Haarlem, Osiris Hertman (b. 1972, Tilburg) is a leading Dutch designer of collectible functional art and international interiors. A Design Academy Eindhoven alumnus, Hertman studied under design icons Lidewij Edelkoort, Marcel Wanders, and Ulf Moritz, who instilled in him a philosophy of absolute creative freedom.
Rooted in his Waldorf education, Hertman’s practice is deeply intuitive, material-driven, and artisan-centric.
Bypassing digital tools in favor of raw sketches and sensory craftsmanship, his work stands in a league of its own. His uncompromising dedication to high craft is instantly visible in the physical mastery of his objects—whether in the raw texture of a hand-scratched chamotte clay table leg, or the meticulous bronze welding of structural steel. Spanning jewelry, architecture, and fine art, Hertman shapes powerful, tactile works that seamlessly bridge the gap between form and space.
Hertman operates on a singular, definitive vision. In tandem with global master artisans, he translates spontaneous drawings into highly collectible functional art.
From bronze-welded steel to chamotte clay, his furniture and interiors exude a nature-evoking serenity, structured by a musical rhythm of textural warmth and meticulous detail. While simultaneously executing grand-scale architectural projects across three continents, Hertman now deliberately dedicates his focus to the physical poetry of direct, hands-on object making
Osiris the artisan:
A new journey in my life began after graduating from the Design Academy Guided by influential mentors such as Lidewij Edelkoort, Marcel Wanders, and Ulf Moritz — a true beacon in the world of craftsmanship and design — I focused on creating handcrafted objects, collectible furniture and exploring different approaches to design.
Evenings were spent in the wood workshop, the ceramics studio, and the metal atelier, learning through making and discovering the poetry of materials through touch, process, and intuition.
Now, twenty-five years later, after years devoted to intensive architectural projects across Curaçao, Italy, and Portugal, a new rhythm has emerged. Alongside architecture, I have rediscovered the joy of working directly with my hands: collaborating daily with master craftsmen, and transforming spontaneous sketches into tangible and functional objects pieces designed to endure and to be passed on through generations.
This is a brief reflection on my journey of making. It marks the beginning of something much larger still to come. May you experience the same sense of wonder and fulfilment that I encounter each day, where material, craftsmanship, body, and mind become deeply connected.
Osiris Hertman
