What I appreciate about crafts and art in general is the fact that a creation is the materialization of everything that has been stored in our memory.
Indeed, everything we have seen, heard, learned, and experienced is subsequently reflected in what we do, more or less consciously. I therefore see the artisan object as a creation with an immaterial dimension, a meaning, almost an identity, and not as an object simply made of matter.
When I create, I strive to remain true to myself, without seeking to please at all costs. Because I am convinced that by remaining authentic in my actions, my work will resonate. And that deep down, someone somewhere will recognize a part of the truth in it.
A Contemplative Gaze
To nourish my inspiration, I try to maintain a contemplative gaze on the world. I try to detach myself from screens, to focus on what surrounds me. This helps me to see beauty in small things: a particular light, an architectural detail, an interesting texture. Every detail, however tiny, can nourish creation. This approach allows me to transform life into art. I can't help but look around me, pause on what moves me, and let these moments reflect in what I do.
A Fascination with the Belle Époque
The main thread of my inspiration is the 19th century, and particularly the Belle Époque period (1850-1914). I am especially interested in how people lived and what they valued, such as their way of life and the pursuit of a certain aestheticism in everything around them.
What also strikes me about this era is that life was marked by great intellectual and cultural richness. Curiosity and an openness to engaging with multiple disciplines were highly valued. Indeed, knowledge in various subjects was seen in a very positive light, unlike today where over-specialization is favored. Back then, it was not uncommon for an individual to be inclined to pursue multiple varied subjects such as arts and sciences simultaneously... in fact, I am probably not the only one who identifies with this. Perhaps you do too! Because nowadays, one might rather say that a person is scattered!
For me, this approach to the world thus colors my way of working. I try not to limit myself to a single field of expertise, but I attempt to enrich my artistic journey with several areas to draw connections between them, such as history, music, etc.
An immersive work environment to inspire creativity
To create, I need to set up a real atmosphere around me, almost like a ritual. Before I even begin, I have to immerse myself in a universe, enter a particular state of mind that puts me in the right condition. It is with this intention that I decorate and organize my creative space.
My studio then becomes a unique space, designed to nourish my imagination. I have decorated it with antique objects and tools, flowers, and of course, soft and tranquil music. All these elements contribute to creating a coherent atmosphere, in which my living and working environment fully aligns with what I feel and what I want to express.
It goes without saying that I thus seek to recreate the Belle Époque-inspired universe that inspires me so much, by naturally integrating it into my daily life. Whether it's painting, architecture, or nature, these elements play a central role in my way of living and creating. They are not mere references, but constant sources of inspiration that interact with each other.
✨ So that you too can create an old-fashioned ambiance, I have created a collection of small notebooks inspired by the Belle Époque!
Conclusion
Finally, I would say that behind every creation at Atelier Pastourelle lies much more than a simple object. It's a vision, a wish, an inspiration nourished by authenticity, slowness, and the beauty of the past. To imagine that each notebook, each creation, can have meaning and accompany the daily lives of those who choose it, is what motivates me to create every day.
With the hope that I, in turn, can inspire you.
🗨️ And you, what inspires you every day?
Share your thoughts with me in the comments, I look forward to reading them!
To be continued…
This article is just a glimpse into the world behind Atelier Pastourelle.
🌸 To learn more about the world of Atelier Pastourelle and discover my handmade notebooks, visit the online store here: atelierpastourelle.com
💌 To stay informed about what's happening at Atelier Pastourelle, subscribe to La Correspondance newsletter at the bottom of the page! 👇🏻
0 commentaires