Wijnand Zijlmans possesses an unrelenting passion for natural stone, a material that harkens back to the distant past and has traversed a long journey before being breathed new dimensions by the sculpteur. With a mastery that is both transparent and meditative, Zijlmans reveals the massiveness and poetry of the stone, delving deep into its natural essence. He exposes both its internal and external facets, revealing its ever-shifting nature – at once hard and soft, dark and light, rough and gracefully polished, frayed and undulating, in a constant state of motion yet serene in its stillness. The stone’s surface reflects and absorbs, taking in and releasing, much like a poet who captures the essence of an entire life in just a few words. The sculptures are a tangible presence, open for those who allow themselves to be enchanted. They are anchors of tranquility in a hectic world, providing stillness and repose for those seeking solace. They invite contemplation and introspection, bestowing upon viewers a deeper understanding of themselves. There is an exchange between the artwork and the observer, something stirring within and between, a connection that Wijnand Zijlmans holds in high regard. To him, life is a towering edifice, a tumultuous and intricate structure constantly in search of balance.
www.ftn-books.com has several. Zijlmans publications now available.
