What does a renowned architect and designer like yourself come to find at Révélations, the international biennial of fine crafts and creation?
It’s always fascinating to see how the new generations reinterpret traditional materials. Creativity is in constant motion, and young talents have that lively curiosity, that urge to experiment, which never ceases to fascinate me. I come here to be surprised — and to feel that spark that makes me think, “this, I’d love to take home.”
Where does your attraction to fine craft and exceptional know-how come from?
I’m not sure where it comes from — I’d say it’s an innate curiosity. A bit like an anthropologist of objects. I’ve always been drawn to craft traditions from around the world. I’ve traveled widely and lived in many different places, and every time it was essential for me to discover the local know-how, the traditional materials, and manual techniques. For me, craft heritage is something precious, something to respect and preserve.
Why is it essential to support and promote makers who transform raw materials?
Because uniqueness holds immense value. What artisans create is always one of a kind, with imperfections that add to its charm. The idea that imperfection is a key component of beauty is part of my personal vision, even when I work on industrial design projects. Handmade objects always carry something special — a soul, a story.
Italy is the guest of honor at Révélations this year. What are you hoping to see from Italian artisans?
Italy is a country deeply rooted in artisanal traditions — there isn’t a single region without its own specific know-how. Many of these still remain to be discovered and promoted, and that’s where the energy of young people is essential. I’d be delighted to discover Italian workshops run by young makers who have mastered the “craft” and now want to explore new forms of expression. I hope to see many of them.
« This object looks like it just emerged from the sea, shaped by time — a marine relic from a distant culture. I love its fluid colors and rough, irregular surface, as if it had been sculpted by the ocean over centuries. »
« Arnauld Le Calvé has created a curious, whimsical character — somewhere between a dreamy alien and a tribal totem. I love the idea of it being a ‘guardian,’ observing the world through its clay and glass form. »
« I’m enchanted by this concept: a ceramic piece that begins with a stitched leather shell. Each creation becomes a small study in form, shaped by subtle and unpredictable variations. Each one is unique, with its own softness and natural imperfections. »
« You don’t expect to see marble — the most classic of materials — used to depict a figure wearing a mask, safety goggles, and work clothes. A hyper-realistic and surprising sculpture. »
« Centuries-old wood blends with resin and modern materials to create objects that resemble stone. A kind of ‘primitive’ matter, where the memory of ancient gestures meets contemporary textures and forms. I love that raw yet refined quality. »
