Marie-Christophe, artist-sculptor, designer...
Auteur : Ariane | 07-03-2010
It’s been a few years now that I discovered Marie Christophe through Stephanie Boisset, a talented web designer. Marie Christophe was presented as one of her references. It was love at first sight and therefore one of the first women that I had to interview for Cocotte Design!
Her fantasy animals and her chandeliers carved from wire immediately seduced me. I also love the mix of materials and color accents that reinforce the interpretation and the character of each piece.
What impresses me most is the making of her sculptures: How does one actually create from just a few tools that fit into a small pouch and a coil of wire? How does one, from all these elements, give it a soul, an expression, or a function?
It sounds simple but the artist has to combine a lot of hard work, a learned technique with a natural spontaneity. Marie Christophe does just this, contradicting the finesse of the material with the magnitude of volume for each piece giving the impression of an aerial weave, as if she wanted to trap the space or the air without actually capturing it.
Here is her story in a nutshell:
Marie Christophe was first introduced to design and decoration by her father, an interior designer, who is fascinated by Japanese gardens, architecture in general, and African art. Her studies at Penninghem and her career have been highlighted with key meetings such as Jean Louis Dumas (Hermes), Phillipe Renaud, and Christian Tortu. Her travels and readings have also nourished her creative world as well as some of her favorite places: such as the gardens at the ‘Palais Royal’ in Paris, the ‘Villa Cimbrone’ in Ravello, Florence, and Arles at the end of the summer.
A new creation is the usually the result of a calling, or a desire. It could be a color, a new material, or pearls for example... these serve as a catalyst as the ideas start to flow.
Because she does not like the intermediate sizes, the sculptures are sized either small or very large! Each piece is made by the artist and thus unique because there are no templates.
Marie Christophe works between her studio and her living room with an assistant and her children who gravitate around her, a harmonious setting.
Her collaborations with ‘les maisons Dior’ and ‘Baccarat’ have been a great experience. The exchange of ideas has been a great source of inspiration for new creations, while keeping in mind the importance of perfection.
Her tastes in art range from eclectic to the classics...with a preference for Louise Bourgeois, Barcelo, Charley Harper, Photographer Tim Walker, Helmut Newton, and ceramics by Picasso.
As far and interior design goes, she does not like it when decorations are entirely done by a designer and have no connection with people who live there! She likes anything from the 50s and 60s, iconic furniture from designers of this time and the associated colors. Marie Christophe does not believe in trend books but rather follows her personal desires according to that time or season....
Finally, let's talk about the house of her dreams…
Richard Neutra overlooking the sea...the famous Lowell House (1927-1929), which appeared in numerous Hollywood films...and there the cocottes would respond without a doubt:
“No comment!”
Marie Christophe exhibits her creations at Bergdorf Goodman in New York, Tomorrowland in Tokyo, Objectk in Lebanon, and Vire Trading in Sydney. She dreams to present at a major exhibition in Paris because her works have not been exhibited in France to the same extent as abroad.
Too bad!
Thank you Marie Christophe for responding to our questions, although her work and her talent speak for themselves. They are beautiful and unique! A must see!
More info on her website: www.mariechristophe.com
Atelier Marie Christophe
15/17, rue Foucault
92110 Clichy - France
Tél./Fax : +33 (0)1 47 37 72 20
Mobile : +33 (0)6 03 22 77 48
Visits by appointment only
info@mariechristophe.com
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