My Story
My first summer job, at age 16, was as a general laborer at a construction site. It was there I saw my first concrete finisher, on his knees, troweling a small patio and step.
I watched, fascinated, as he took apart the wood forms that had held the concrete step in place until it set up. With cool-looking tools, he scrubbed the concrete, producing a beautifully smooth finish followed up with a brushing to give subtle texture.
My love of concrete was born. I joined up as soon as I could.
Why Cretenik?
Cretenik is an offshoot of Beatnik which in turn was on offshoot of Sputnik. “-nik” is a common suffix used to form nouns, typically denoting a person associated with a particular activity, ideology, or group.
Beatnik was for the short-lived Beat generation, lovers of jazz and rock and other fun things.
According to my first ‘crete (industry slang for concrete) boss, a Cretenik was a person who had mastered one of the three main types of concrete construction. I quasi-mastered flatwork. Now I’m just trying to master learning.
The Cretenik Craft
As I (and my knees) matured, I left the concrete finishing business. But my love of what concrete can be never waned. Paired with my love of nature, modern art, and architecture, I create unique concrete craft pieces for indoor and outdoor spaces.
From all kinds of containers to infinite other objects evoking texture and angles, I find poured concrete unlimited with possibility.
Or get in touch to co-design for your space and imagination.
Get in touch with Cretenik Design
Email, Call or See Us in Person!
Jim@Cretenik.com • (410) 353-3300
By appointment
We are located in the heart of Bethesda, Maryland. Call or email for directions.
You can walk or drive by our yard to get a closer look at the various outdoor pieces we offer.
Or, setup an in-person meeting to discuss your ideas.