Inside the Tactile World of Atelier Manos: Figurative Sculpture & Amsterdam Design
people • MAKERS
At the heart of Amsterdam’s contemporary art and design scene, Atelier Manos carves out a singular space where figurative sculpture, handcrafted objects, and conceptual design converge. Founded by artist Timothy Van Oorschot and his partner Jessica Barragán, the studio blends fine art with artisanal practice, reflecting their shared vision and deeply personal journey.
Through a focus on identity, the human form, and material experimentation, Atelier Manos has become known for its curated exhibitions and collectible design pieces that blur the line between art and function.
In this exclusive Designeers Journal interview, the duo shares the origin story of Atelier Manos, the emotional resonance of working by hand, and how Amsterdam’s creative culture continues to shape their evolving aesthetic.
Words: designeers
juLY 2025
WEBSITE: ateliermanos.com
INSTAGRAM: @manos_atelier
DESIGNEERS
Let’s start with the origin story: what inspired you to launch Atelier Manos in Amsterdam, and how did your backgrounds in art, sculpture, and design shape its creative DNA?
Timothy Van Oorschot
I’ve been drawing and painting since childhood, but the real journey began at 18, when I studied fine arts in Florence. That period deeply shaped my connection to classical technique and craftsmanship. From there, I worked on fresco restorations in Tuscany, then expanded my practice through ceramics and metalwork in Barcelona. These experiences grounded me in a love for traditional materials and the handmade process.
My creative process is largely intuitive, often guided by instinct and open to the unexpected. Some of the most beautiful outcomes come from what I call happy accidents. It wasn’t always a straight path; it took several false starts before I fully committed to being an artist. Having Jessica’s support was transformative, her belief in my work helped make Atelier Manos possible.
Jessica Barragán
I’ve always seen Timothy creating, sketching, building, and experimenting with materials. While he focused on developing his artistic craft, I was working in branding and design, helping bring other people’s visions to life.
It was during the COVID lockdowns in Amsterdam that things shifted. Timothy finally had uninterrupted time in the studio, and that’s when Atelier Manos began to truly take shape. It was a natural merging of our worlds: his instinctive, hands-on process and my background in visual storytelling and creative direction. Together, we shaped a studio rooted in both emotion and intention.
DESIGNEERS
The name “Atelier Manos” instantly evokes craftsmanship, handmade artistry, and the human touch. What’s the deeper meaning behind the name, and how does it reflect your approach to contemporary art?
Jessica Barragán
Across every culture and tradition, hands have always held symbolic power. We express love, build homes, cook, sculpt, and create with them. At Atelier Manos, the hand is at the centre of everything, it's a metaphor for human connection, intention, and craftsmanship. The name reminds us to stay rooted in the tactile, in the beauty of the handmade.
Timothy Van Oorschot
We often say we’d rather lose our voice than our hands. Everything we make—whether it’s figurative sculpture, ceramics, or furniture—begins with the hands. For us, it’s not about chasing perfection; it’s about being present.
DESIGNEERS
Timothy, much of your work explores identity, the human form, and figurative sculpture. What draws you to these themes, and which materials bring them to life for you?
Timothy Van Oorschot
It began as a personal search: Who am I? Faces were my entry point—intuitive and expressive, heavily influenced by outsider art and the COBRA movement, especially artists like Karel Appel and Corneille. Over time, my work evolved, particularly after reconnecting with Ibiza, where I spent part of my childhood.
I began incorporating soil from the island into my pieces, which naturally shifted my palette to earthy tones: terracotta, sand, olive, and burnt sienna. These materials connected me back to place and memory.
Symbolically, hands and feet began appearing in my sculpture, representing community, connection, and support. Today, I work primarily with materials that reinforce the message: wood, stone, concrete, and ceramics.
DESIGNEERS
Amsterdam is a creative city bursting with art, design, and culture. How does living and working here influence your curatorial choices, exhibitions, and collaborations?
Atelier Manos
Amsterdam is a cultural crossroads: open, diverse, and always evolving. Living and working here means being constantly surrounded by creative energy, whether from emerging artists, independent designers, or experimental makers. Our gallery is based just outside the city centre, in a creative neighbourhood full of filmmakers, architects, and artisans. The atmosphere is raw, collaborative, and deeply aligned with the spirit of Atelier Manos.
This context influences everything we do, from the curated exhibitions we host to the way we approach collaborations. Our visitors range from local collectors and creatives to international curators and design lovers. The conversations that happen in the space often become as meaningful as the work itself, they shape the direction of future projects and deepen our connection to the wider Amsterdam art and design community.
“We’re drawn to places that feel intimate, soulful, and handmade. One of our all-time favourites is Los Enamorados in Ibiza. The interiors are tactile, layered, and deeply connected to the Mediterranean landscape.”
ATELIER MANOS
DESIGNEERS
When visitors step inside Atelier Manos, what do you hope they feel or take away from the experience?
Atelier Manos
We hope they pause. We want people to feel a genuine connection: with the art, with each other, and with themselves. It’s about creating space for reflection, a quiet moment that reminds us that creativity has the power to unite. In a world of constant movement, we want our gallery to feel like a breath, a tactile, emotional encounter with the handmade.
DESIGNEERS
What’s your all-time favourite design hotel in the world, and what makes its interiors unforgettable to you?
Atelier Manos
We’re drawn to places that feel intimate, soulful, and handmade. One of our all-time favourites is Los Enamorados in Ibiza. The interiors are tactile, layered, and deeply connected to the Mediterranean landscape. There’s a raw honesty to the way it’s put together and nothing feels over-designed. It’s the kind of space that speaks the language of craftsmanship, where every object feels chosen by hand and with heart.
DESIGNEERS
For anyone visiting Amsterdam with a love for art, design, and architecture, what’s one hidden gem or must-visit spot you always recommend?
Timothy Van Oorschot
When I first moved here, I used to sketch by the fireplace at Café Wetering, especially on cold nights when my studio felt like a freezer. It’s a small, cosy café tucked near the canals, full of character and a mix of locals and travellers. It’s one of those rare places that feels unchanged in the best way.
We always recommend the Stedelijk Museum, a cornerstone of contemporary art and design in Amsterdam. Its collection is timeless, and the exhibitions always feel fresh. And in summer, nothing compares to a boat ride on the Amstel. Seeing the city from the water gives it a different rhythm, freer, more poetic. It’s a reminder of how much creativity is embedded in the flow of Amsterdam itself.
