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In a world filled with mass
produced consumer goods there still exist a number of designer - craftsmen,
people who take delight in designing and making objects by hand.
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I consider myself to be one of these, with a solid commitment to
quality and integrity in the techniques and processes I employ as well as the
materials I use.
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My name is Tiaan Burger. I am an artist who makes knives. Sometimes I might
commit other types of art such as sculpture and jewellery.
I am a fourth generation cabinetmaker. My grandfather also made knives as a
hobby. On my mom's side there where mostly farmers, and a couple of wainwrights.
Going back into my paternal ancestry I discovered Berndt Burchardt, who was a
German blacksmith in the service of the Dutch East Indies company in the Cape in
the 17th century. His surname was changed to Burger (it was easier for the Dutch
to say Burger than Burchardt). I guess working with wood and metal is in my genes.
I started making knives in 1997. By 2001 I was fed-up with knives, frustrated
beyond wits end, because I could not progress. So I took up blacksmithing, which
I did until 2005. Then I studied fine art for a year, and started working at an
art foundry where I learned the techniques of bronze casting. In the evenings I
sat behind a tiny workbench and made jewellery. In 2009 I started making knives
again, slowly incorporating the various skills I have learned, pushing towards a
goal of making sculpture with an edge.
I am in a transitional phase in my work. I continue making and
improving on my multi-blade folders but on the fixed blades I have moved
beyond the purpose-made or the functional. It is time to start making
edged art with the goal each piece fitting in a greater theme.
Find me on the web:
