About Maaike, Clover Ceramics

Nice to meet you, I'm Maaike Lohuis-Klaver, and I live with my husband Erik, son Ian, and dog Cooper in the most beautiful spot in Diever. And since early 2020, I've been making ceramics: mugs, bowls, pots, you name it. Anything that can be made from clay. Check out my portfolio to see the work I've created so far. For the past few years, this has been under the name Klaver Keramiek.

Before Klaver Keramiek

Before I started Klaver Keramiek, I worked in online marketing until July 2019, in various roles that all involved text. I often found an outlet there, but I felt I was never 100% in my element.

Outside of work, I've always pursued creative things. Writing is what I trained for and what I still love to do. I've taught myself other things. I've written, knitted, crocheted, baked, painted, and drawn.

Someone once asked me what my dream job would be. To her, and to others who asked this question, I always answered: I would like to make things, do something with my hands. Create beautiful things that make people happy. Alongside my then-current job, it didn't seem feasible.

Until in 2019 – for various reasons – we jointly decided that I would stop working. I became a part-time copywriter but mostly a full-time mom. During that time, I wrote a lot for myself, and the most important thing that emerged from those texts was finding my own path.

Klaver Keramiek and Dutch Ceramics Training 2020

And I succeeded: I had already taken a short pottery course in September 2019. I wanted to continue with that! Klaver Keramiek was (initially under a different name) born. And so, from September 2020, I started at the Dutch Ceramics Training in Gouda. A three-year artisanal training that educates you to become a ceramist. Throwing on the wheel and hand-building ceramics. And everything (and that's a lot) that comes with it.

A wonderful opportunity, I am truly very grateful that we are in a position where I could do this. Every week I was delighted again with sketching in my sketchbook, writing down and developing new ideas, practicing at home, doing homework, and the weekly class day on Friday in Gouda. In May 2024, I was able to successfully complete the Dutch Ceramics Training Cum Laude and at the same time also successfully complete the Extra Glaze Year.

Looking back, I should have decided this much earlier, but life happens as it happens. I am a firm believer that the time must be ripe for something. And now it is for Klaver Keramiek.

I'd love to hear from you

Currently, I make my own pieces in my pottery studio Klaver Keramiek, but I am always open to beautiful custom assignments. Are you interested in what I make, what I can make, or would you like to know more about ceramics? Contact me, I'd love to hear from you!