Five Dutch artists, Armando, Carel Visser, Ida Gerhardt, Hans van Maanen, and Reinbert de Leeuw, are followed as they create a piece. They are filmed as they work, sometimes talking or silent, with interview excerpts at other times. Reflections on the content and working method alternate with reflections on their usual approach. They consider design and information, and comment on the working conditions. The pieces gradually take shape in the film, until finally the finished works are presented.