THE TRANSCENDENCE OF STONE

THE
TRANSCENDENCE
OF STONE

WORKS BY MIRJAM DE NIJS
FEATURED GUILD GALLERY ARTIST
Nature in its purity, that’s what fascinates me. I love the volume, the movement, the texture and the natural quality of stone. In stone of all different kinds, I find unlimited possibilities to express my meaning.

Our physical existence is temporal. Compared to our human lifespan stone acts as a representation of endurance. A concept of eternity that we can hold and understand. Morphing, adapting, and weathering our world transforms stone into microscopic rolling pebbles and jagged mountains with vanishing peaks. It is this uninterrupted purity of nature that fascinates artist Mirjam de Nijs who harnesses the power of stone and the gentleness that it offers.

A sculptor for more than thirty years Mirjam de Nijs’ abstract forms are hand carved from natural stone. During university de Nijs’ studied language and literature combined with philosophy and art history. Clearly reflected in her mythical forms, ever evolving de Nijs’ believes her work and self, have developed in tandem. Beginning as young woman to now married and a mother of three, she feels deeply encouraged by the independent evolution of her individual family members.

Inspired by nature, ancient human traces, our existence and interactions, Mirjam de Nijs chose the language of the visual as her mode of communication. Sculpting in natural stones provides her freedom of creative expression without the literal boundaries of meaning. However, a deep ethereal significance lies within every Mirjam de Nijs sculpture, one that transcends what can be imagined in words. Living in the center of Amsterdam and working on Zeeburgereiland, an island on the outskirts of Amsterdam, de Nijs immerses herself in this visual tongue.

Fascinated with the result of process, de Nijs sees her sculpting as her own handwriting. Each mark made repeatedly traces her hand and her tools, the outcome is a sculpture that contains immeasurable forces, processes and myths. Made from Soapstone, Alabaster, Marble, Hardstone, Diabase and Granite, de Nijs’ sculptural designs are contingent on the stone.  In certain instances, a design draws her to a specific stone and others the rock directs the artist.

“I PREFER ABSTRACT LANGUAGE. MY ULTIMATE GOAL IS A SCULPTURE. IT HAS AN IMMENSE EXPRESSION WITH A GREAT SENSE OF FREEDOM”

This communication between earth and form is harnessed by Mirjam De Nijs. Once her pieces are placed in their surroundings they act as primordial view into a different dimension.  Reverberating nature, her works range in scale, from tabletop monuments to intimate outdoor sculptures. Escape with the earth, let energy radiate off of every surface, and transcend the stone.

 

 

RW Guild is proud to present
The Transcendence of Stone: Classic Works by Mirjam De Nijs. A virtual experience to satisfy your eyes and table.