Martijn Verzijl (b. 1999), NL
Throughout history, ceramics have served as vessels of stories and memories. From the earliest civilizations, pots, vases, and jars were not only used to store food and support rituals but also to record significant events. Much of what we know today about ancient societies in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, China, and the Andes comes from ceramic objects that have endured for millennia. Their resilience allows them to function as tangible archives; time capsules that preserve traces of use, symbolism, and even fingerprints.
My ceramic works connect to this tradition. I regard my objects as vessels of memory in which themes such as childhood, loss, and the passage of time are explored. By combining symbolism, craftsmanship, and narrative elements, I link personal stories with broader cultures and philosophical ideas. At times, my works are inscribed with texts and poems, transforming them into “story carriers” that weave together ancient symbolism with contemporary experiences.
My inspiration is drawn in part from the storytelling traditions of the Greeks, Romans, and Chinese, where mythology and poetry were often inscribed directly onto ceramics. Likewise, in my work, personal struggles, victories, and moments of reflection are represented, enriched by figurative and mystical references.
For me, working with ceramics is not only an essential part of my artistic practice but also a form of therapy and craftsmanship. The process requires concentration, discipline, and respect for both material and technique. At the same time, it offers the possibility to preserve and pass on stories. Through making ceramics, I connect myself to a long tradition of makers who, through clay, have captured not only utilitarian objects but also culture, symbolism, and memory.