Heinz Aeschlimann

A multi-faceted man who fits perfectly the "Continental Gentleman" title, M. Aeschlimann heads a highly successful manufacturing business in Europe, maintains his Swiss citizenship and still finds time in his demanding world to devote to his passion: SCULPTURE.

Working methodically, perhaps the concomitant of his engineering genius, he creates in what he describes as "phases."

In phase one, he visualizes, internally, the forms and the elements emerging, and then transfers these ideas to paper on his drawing board. These patterns are used to cut iron to form in thickness of 6 - 150 mm.

The second phase is when he forms and processes the delivered steel parts in his atelier in Zofingen by the use of great presses and steel rollers as well as by welding and the application of heat. He forms the elements to a composition, melts them with welding electrodes or by use of a welding torch and gives the sculpture final form.

Phase three, as he describes it, is when he carries out the ensuing surface treatment with various welding techniques and mechanical methods. A distinguishing characteristic of the artist's work is the special welded structure with which he coats the surfaces of his sculpture. With the carefully directed application of heat, he elicits the hidden beauty of the iron, a shimmering play of colors. This gives the sculpture an especially intensive expressive power.

Textured surfaces and interrelated moving forms are a constant challenge to M. Aeschlimann who continues, as a civil engineer, to stay in close touch with his environment and remains intensely aware of the hindrances and harmonies within nature. He strives to transform everyday excitements and impressions into creative energy as a means of relaxation and freedom from worldly cares.

Sometimes large, sometimes bordering on the monumental, Aeschlimann works have stature and perspective which reflect the somewhat serene and cosmopolitan nature of their creator.