“It’s nice to be able to do something for your own neighborhood”

Cees de Rooij’s (77) house is full of soapstone sculptures, quilts made of beautiful fabrics, and origami artworks. During the interview, we sit comfortably in the sun on his balcony by the water. “I never knew what I wanted to become,” says Cees de Rooij (77) about his life. “Hairdresser,” was his answer as a little boy when his parents asked him. From the age of sixteen, he started working in a printing house. In the evenings, he attended the School of Arts and Crafts and simultaneously the graphic design course in Eindhoven.

Now I can do anything

After that, he pursued a variety of professions: Art director, draftsman, model, designer, salesperson in a fashion store and an antique store, telephone operator for a radio program, and much more. He briefly lived in New York and has now been settled in Amsterdam for thirty years. “My career actually didn’t succeed,” Cees laughs, “but now that I am retired, I greatly enjoy my life and my activities. Now I *can* do all sorts of things.”

Sharing knowledge and skills

In addition to practicing art himself, he also enjoys sharing his passion with others. Occasionally, he gives workshops at the SOOP (Stichting Ontmoetingsruimte voor en door Ouderen) in the Plantage-Weesperbuurt. SOOP runs entirely on volunteers, which according to Cees, also contributes to the great atmosphere. Courses are taught at a high level by people who are eager to share their knowledge and skills. There are introductions to art history and Islam, yoga classes, and a wide variety of creative courses such as carving in soapstone and sculpting. In the latter activities, Cees feels right at home as a participant.

Everything he touches turns to gold

Currently, he is leading a workshop on making scale models in the charming attic studio. Fantasy buildings with paper, cardboard, and glue. People sometimes say about Cees: everything he touches turns to gold. He just laughs about it. “Oh,” he says, “it’s not about how *I* do it, but it’s about finding everyone’s own style and enjoying that. I hope to bring others along in my own enthusiasm.”

Fun is a requirement

Cees has had a spinal cord injury for two years that has developed slowly. He has difficulty walking. That’s why he has an electric tricycle. “Sometimes I do worry, but I don’t really feel limited. I can go everywhere.” He had previously worked as a volunteer in a hospice for many years. Being there for people who are dying. “Having a chat if they want to. I quickly connected with the people, but I stopped when there were too many budget cuts on the food,” says Cees. “I no longer enjoyed the work because of that. And that is a requirement when you do something voluntarily.”Interview: Thecla Groot Koerkamp
Photos: Jackie Mulder

Are you excited?

LookhereIf you also want to get started at SOOP.
Other volunteer opportunities (about 1500, throughout Amsterdam)You are here.