Dirk Vaessen creates Wearable Art and Interior Pieces. He draws inspiration from his Wearable Art to create art objects that people can place in their homes. He designs concepts and items for and around the human body, such as shoes, garments, postures, masks, and bags. At the age of 15, he began with an MBO in shoemaking and leather goods because he wanted to create his own heels in size 45 (10.5), which were not widely available at the time. After graduating, he pursued a BA in Product Design at Artez (Arnhem, NL) to further develop himself as an artist and designer. He then completed a Master in Footwear at the London College of Fashion (LCF) at the University of the Arts London (UAL).

The collection BRAVE HENDRIK is a response to people's stereotypical image of themselves. The accessories offer new freedom in visualizing identity. When you are born, you are labeled according to your gender identity. This label is used to make the first choices for you: pink or blue, Cinderella or Superman, short or long hair. In other words, gender identity determines the values and standards society places on you. The collection BRAVE HENDRIK’S NEW IDENTITIES aims to address this black-and-white typecasting in society, suggesting and inviting people to be brave and show as many sides of themselves as possible. A person's character is more fluid than just being male or female. Dirk's designs allow people to explore how they want to be human.

Beyond his artistic endeavors, Dirk Vaessen dreams of making art accessible to everyone, not just the elite. He believes that art should transcend social and economic boundaries, offering everyone the opportunity to engage with and be inspired by creative expression. This vision drives him to create works that resonate with a wide audience, encouraging inclusivity and democratizing the world of art and design.

Dirk Vaessen: I'm a designer who places a form first in the process of creation. I play with all kinds of materials by making quick samples of shapes. I see myself as a conceptual designer, working with the stereotypes of society in order to question fixed concepts. With my work, I hope to inspire people and show them that identity is something fluid. I hope to inspire people to not take their identity for granted and always explore how they want to be human. 

Let us consider ourselves normal and let us be weird according to others.