New Passion
The decorative painter profession is constantly evolving, and for me, this quest for new techniques led me to contemporary lacquer a few years ago. My first decorative workshop, followed by a second in Laos with the talented and exacting Master of Art Isabelle Emmerique, won me over. But it wasn’t until last year that I decided to fully invest myself in this new passion. After a long (140-hour) and enriching training at Isabelle’s workshop in Colombes, I am proud to give you a glimpse of one of the panels currently in progress.
Between Mastery and Letting Go
This ancestral art is renowned for its demanding nature. But for me, it has also been a liberating experience. Lacquer requires extreme patience and meticulousness—dozens of layers of varnish are applied with precision, each needing a perfect drying and sanding time. It is a long-term effort where every single step matters. Yet it is also an art of “letting go,” where you must accept that the final result reveals itself gradually, with its imperfections and surprises. It’s a true life lesson.
Contrasts of Materials
This panel, with its multiple material effects, is a concentrated mix of several techniques I particularly love:
- Eggshell inlay: A delicate technique where fragments of carefully broken eggshells are inlaid into the lacquer, creating a beautiful cracked texture.
- Gold leafing with mixtion: Using different shades and textures of gold leaf to create unique reflections.
- The repiqué technique: Used for the main motif, the swallows.
Unique Depth Effects
What attracts me to lacquer are the unique depth effects it allows me to create. Each layer, each material overlay, each play of light gives the impression of diving into the piece. It’s like a constant dialogue between the material, light, and time.
The process is almost magical and hypnotic. I can’t wait to continue exploring it and hope to unveil more panels for you soon.