Polisset Martine - Ceramist - Sculptor

The first of the Matrix series was shown in Martine’s solo exhibition at the History and Ceramic Museum of Biot in 2007/2008. Since then, she has refined the theme with interior spirals in relief, and glossy bright colors in contrast to the black clay used in fabrication. These pieces remind one of a cocoon or chrysalis—a protective casing abandoned after flight or metamorphosis. Eye-catching spirals evoke the question: Are the matrixes empty or not?

For her new work Martine Polisset adheres to the coiling technique and continues to study seeds and other objects found in nature. Fluted, tapered, pleated or slenderized, new and more complex patterns evolve, which are then glazed in black, brown, bright white or marbling.

Neolithic polished axes are a source of inspiration for some of her work, but in Martine’s conceptual interpretation, size and color give the sculpture their own independent presence. The same is true for the convex shape, a work of beautiful volume, brown at the top gradually darkening to black at the base—a piece that stands out for its balance.

The pleated forms were made in 2013: a smooth shape of clay deferred in the workshop, eventually recovered, becomes the core of a new creation. Enveloped by undulating pleats, new forms unfold from their cores, some of which are inspired by the Vajra and the Bodhicitta, ritual symbols of Buddhist ceremonies.

The star shapes, although reminiscent of a star anise seed, appear alien, as if coming from an unknown place—an effect somehow disquieting and mysterious.

All these found objects deciphered, are starting points for new work. A very precise observation of the material, meticulously crafted and strengthened by firing, deliver ceramic sculptures that are elegant, serene and unique.

–Brigitte Hedel-Samson

From her atelier, a former 14th century bakery in the heart of Biot village in the Alpes-Maritimes, Martine makes sculptures that are unique, hollow, fired twice and handmade through different stages of the laborious coil technique.

1970, Settling in the south of France, Martine began to express her passion for the natural world through her first clay sculptures.

1968, Martine worked at a ceramics studio in Saint-Maur outside Paris and perfected her painted glaze technique.

1965–1968, Martine studied ceramics at the Ecole des Métiers d’Art in Paris.

1963–1965, After graduating from high school, Martine entered the Met de Penninghen school in Paris where she studied drawing and art.