Our environment fluctuates over time, the materials change, transform. Minerals crystallize, the earth settles, the rocks separate. We convert those materials to achieve results, for utility or beauty. The environment creates unconsciously and gradually.
That in mind, I’m now working through a process of undefined projects. Using multiple techniques superimposed to try to recreate the evolutionary reality of our environment.
From my early childhood, when I was drawing, I did not care much for the representation of an image on paper, but lines themselves. How they would interact with each other, the distance in between one and other.
During my adolescence, I filled whole pages of lines to be followed without ever having to stop, like the representation of the wind in two dimensions. These pages had the look of topographic maps or the form of wood grain on a piece of furniture, wavy and asymmetric.
In my early twenties I happened to meet a little girl of three years. It reminded me of a moment of my childhood, or my mother had scolded me. I had taken a fresh water pearl off one of her pendants to repair one that was broken. I was four years old and somehow the procedure seemed quite normal to me, but despite my good intentions I ended up losing the pearl.
Following this meeting, I took courses in jewellery making. It was one of the best times of my life. Finally, these curves and lines took on new meaning. Exploring the third dimension now made my artistic possibilities greater. Obviously, my jewels possess asymmetry and simple curves that are very pleasing to my eye.Then I discovered and learned the process of mokume gane. A method difficult to achieve, but with magnificent and unexpected results. The mokume gane is a Japanese technique of 17th century, the literal translation of the name is "wood eye metal". This technique consists of rolling plates of various metals which in the end creates lines similar to wood grain. With entirely different material and technique, I still find these lines and this unexpected asymmetry that has been following me since my childhood. So with this process seldom known and used I can express myself by creating jewelry that delights all, including me.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Teaching sculpture on soapstone
At Schools, Museums and Municipalities. Since 2016
- Present the properties of soapstone and its history.
- Demonstrate and explain the techniques used.
- Observe the students’ progress during their creation to provide advice and answer questions.
- Encourage students to pay attention to detail, to become aware of their work and to see its evolution.
Activity leader for a knitting workshop
At the elementary school of St-Calixte, Fall 2016
- Present the knitting techniques with needles and the knitting loom
- Observe the students’ progress during their creation to provide advice and answer questions.
- Encourage students to pay attention to detail, to become aware of their work and to see its evolution.
Owner of élk joaillerie
In my workshop. Since 2010
- Conceptualize and create jewelry.
- Take pictures of my pieces and market them.
- Make sales and after-sales service.
- Manage the website and social media.
- Administration and book keeping.
Host for internship
In my workshop of élk joaillerie. In 2011
- Host a student for 120 hours after his jeweler course at the École du Sud-Ouest de Montréal is finished.
- Give concrete tasks so students can use their new skills.
- Transmit additional knowledge on jewelry making techniques.
Jeweler Assistant
At Hélène Limoges’s workshop in Montréal. In 2006
- Perform various tasks for jewelry making in order to sell them at the Salon des métiers d’art de Montréal, such as: Welding, sawing, assembly, stone setting and polishing.
Purchase of materials and of tools.
DIPLOMA'S
Business start-up (ASP)
At Saje Montréal in 2010
Sales technique (DEP)
At Saje Montréal in 2010
Jewellery making (DEP)
École des métiers du sud-Ouest de Montréal in 2006
AWARDS RECIPIENT
CRAFT ARTS Prize at the Gala des GrandsPrix Desjardins de la Culture de Lanaudière 2016
Scholarship for Intermediate professionals In the Craft Arts from the SODEC in 2015
Scholarship for Emerging artists in the Craft Arts from the SODEC in 2010
EXHIBITIONS
Festival des Artisans
Ste-Marcelline-de-Kildare, Qc. In 2016
La vitrine des métiers d’art
Joliette, Qc. In 2015
Harmony Arts Festival
Vancouver, Colombie-Britanique in 2014
Salon des métiers d’art de Sherbrooke
Sherbrooke,Qc. In 2013 and 2014
Salon des métiers d’art de Montréal
Montréal, Qc. From 2011 to 2014
Trunk show du Society of North American goldsmiths
Conférence Meta-Mosaic, Toronto. In 2013
Salon des arts de St-Jérome
St-Jérome, Qc. In 2012
Circuit Arts et Culture
Verdun, Montréal, Qc. In 2011
MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCES
Lecture about my work
Museum of art in Joliette, Qc. In 2017
Presentation of my career, my inspirations and my creations.
Trip to Japan
Tsubame, Japan in 2015
Visit to craftsmen, workshops and museums to deepen my knowledge of an old technique that I specialize in, the mokume gane.
Presence and volunteer work in SNAG Conferences
Toronto, Ontario. In 2013
Where to Buy
Work is not available for sale through the SNAG website. Please contact the artist directly to inquire about making a purchase.