ABOUT THE WORK

The sequence is a dominant theme in the work of Martin Schlotz. Not only does he create in small sequences, but his creations themselves manifest in a vertical sequence of gyratory bodies, who are masterly composed and worked out of stoneware or porcelain. The tower-like objects and bowls, thick-walled, wheel-turned cylindrical or conical vessels, convey a sense of stability and belonging while at the same time stretch to lofty heights. The beholder is confronted with the puzzling sensation of feeling both grounded and elevated simultaneously. It is that inherent paradox, that makes the works of Martin Schlotz appear as cult objects, remnants of a highly developed species which has yet to blossom.

Through protrusions and recesses, the shapes are rhythmically structured and often follow a stepped silhouette. In a process of controlled creativity, Martin Schlotz balances the requirements of the genre with decisive compositional clarity. The result is sculptures that are proud to be vessels.

Some vessels are built up in two stages, made of a combination of white porcelain and groged grey porcelain; horizontal bands of dark or light (burnished) porcelain structure the works by either connecting parts or by marking a break in the silhouette. It is this interplay of materials that gives the vessel's finish an independent character as the rhythms of colour, form and materiality merge into one unobtrusive but powerful expression.