Name: Ash lampshade
Brand: Atelier H
Price: 70.0 EUR
Availability: InStock

MEET THE ARTIST

WORKSHOP H

Wood turner sculptor, Tournefeuille (31)

Jean-Louis tells us the story of his personal and intimate relationship with this material that has always fascinated him: wood.

See his Artist page All sculptures

Tell us your story, how did your vocation come to you?

For as long as I can remember I have always been fascinated by woodworking. My first pieces of handmade joinery date from the 1960s in my father's workshop.
Later, on the sidelines of my professional livelihood in various branches, national education then commerce, I joined Professional Training for Adults in carpentry (AFPA) at the age of 30, without launching into craftsmanship.
It was only when I reached retirement age that I set up my carpentry and wood sculpture workshop alongside my current activity as operator of a photovoltaic farm.
Meeting the instructors of the prestigious Escoulen School located in the Var and specializing in woodturning was decisive for me.
I participated in the various courses offered by this school for almost 3 years and now devote my free time to sculpture and woodturning which has become a real passion.

How would you describe your style, your artistic approach in a few words?

I seek sensual contact with wood, an intimate relationship with the piece of wood that I choose or rather that imposes itself on me. I explore the bark, the grain, the sensations to the touch, the faults and wounds of time, the fineness of the grain, the design of the veins, the particular smell of each essence.
I then imagine how I will approach the transformation work in order to highlight the beauty of the wood.
As the filming progresses, the following gesture emerges without me really knowing the purpose of the form. My primary intention may vary several times during the work, especially in turning green (fresh) wood.

What are the themes or subjects that inspire you the most in your work?

The material “wood” itself is, along with nature, an infinite source of inspiration. I am particularly attracted by the design of the marine animal world and the terrestrial or aquatic plants, leaves and seeds that are visible to the eye.
The curves offered by the vegetation are both unique, pure and perfect.

How do you work?

I only use local recovered or recycled wood, green trees cut down by my neighbors, leftovers from sawmills, dry wood trays kept by individuals.
I have a small workshop of 30 m2 very well equipped with quality machines and tools whether for carpentry, turning or sculpture.
I use natural finishing products: oil, wax, top quality lacquer.

Tell us about your daily life, your constraints, your joys, your successes…

Rather intuitive in my daily functioning, I let the day unfold, avoiding constraints as much as possible and I go to the workshop when I am rested and conscious. The workshop is like a haven of peace and filming or sculpture are a bit of my personal yoga and a mode of meditation.
I only turn or sculpt when I feel a particular state of serenity that soothes me.
I hope in this that my pieces also transmit peace, balance and a certain well-being upon contact.

See his Artist page All sculptures