Berlin's Karmic Loop: History's Cycle Repeats Itself
In the heart of Berlin, Christian Kliem, who's been fascinated by throwing gadgets since his childhood, has been creating boomerangs for over two decades. His love story with these spinning wood artifacts started when he stumbled upon a kids' TV documentary about them. Since then, he's designed and crafted thousands of boomerangs, some even showcased in international events such as the Venice Biennale.
Born and raised near the North Sea, Christian moved to Berlin during his kindergarten years. Fascinated by anything that involved projectiles, he managed to acquire a book on boomerang-building and started making them himself. Soon, he expanded his skillset, studying wood technology and adventure education. Now, he hosts workshops where both children and adults can learn the art of building and throwing their own boomerang.
His boomerang workshops consist of instructing on the history, science, and crafting process, followed by participants creating and learning to throw their own boomerangs. Christian might have participants demonstrate their frisbee or snowball-throwing abilities before choosing the best boomerang design for them. He tailors his designs to suit each individual's throwing style, from seasoned handball players to Ultimate frisbee aficionados.
The boomerang's allure lies in its ability to defy the laws of physics. Watching something you've hurled away from you return to your exact spot can be oddly satisfying. Christian claims that the pleasure of catching a returning boomerang never gets old, no matter how many times you do it. "There's something magical about it," he says, "It's a fascinating feeling when you throw a boomerang, and it comes back to you, landing right in your hand."
His ecological approach to boomerang-making sets him apart from other manufacturers. Christian uses locally sourced wood and non-toxic plant-based oils to finish his designs, believing in a minimal carbon footprint and sustainability. Each boomerang carries an FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) designation, ensuring that every tree used in its production is replaced with a new one.
While the boomerang booms in other countries like the United States, Germany still considers it a niche sport. Christian is hopeful that an Avengers superhero might one day wield a boomerang, sparking a new wave of popularity. He dreams of a Legolas-like character carrying a boomerang, inspiring people to build their own.
Christian's mantra is "You always get what you give." He hopes that his love for boomerangs will inspire others to craft and appreciate these fascinating artifacts. More information about Christian Kliem's workshops and shop can be found on his Instagram page.
In his Berlin home-and-garden workshop, Christian Kliem, the boomerang artisan, occasionally encourages participants to showcase their sports skills, such as frisbee or snowball-throwing, in order to find the best boomerang design customized for their throwing style, whether they are seasoned handball players or Ultimate frisbee enthusiasts. With his unique lifestyle that revolves around boomerangs, Christian has assembled a charming collection of home-and-garden decor that showcases his intricately designed boomerangs, captivating those who share his passion for these spinning wood artifacts.
