Martijn Verzijl (b. 1999), NL
My ceramic works are vessels of memory, exploring themes of childhood, loss, and the passage of time. Through a combination of symbols, labor-intensive craftsmanship, and narrative depth; my ceramics touches on mythology, personal history and philosophical ideas, revealing the ongoing exploration of life’s complexities.
These vessels, sometimes adorned with poems and texts, serve as ‘’story carriers’’ that blend ancient symbolism with modern, personal stories. Inspired by the storytelling traditions of the Greeks, Romans and Chinese, my vases are etched with text that speak to struggles, victories, and intimate moments of reflection. These mediums lean powerfully on themselves, but are enhanced many times by figurative and mystical references.
Pottery is therapy for me. When I shape pottery I think about a number of things; the archival quality, how it has been used historically and my control over the medium. These are both desires I have as a maker. Ceramics have the quality of remaining intact for thousands of years. It acts like a time machine, so to speak, on which fingerprints can still be found. Besides the passing of stories, it also gives me satisfaction to practice and pass on the craft of pottery myself.