Artistic by nature
I’ve made delicate, detailed drawings since I was a child, so it was a natural progression to turn to découpage. I made my first découpage at the age of 13, as a present for my sister. In 1979 I “officially” took up découpage as a career, with a style I developed myself. I’ve tried to avoid being trapped in my own style: I like to use my art as a way to question myself.
I grew up not far from the shores of Lake Geneva, but I was always drawn to the mountains where I spent my weekends and holidays. This passion is reflected in my work.
I like to tell stories about my world in pictures, in black images on a white background, or with coloured paper built up on a black découpage base. The technique is just a means to an end: the goal is to express what I feel through the picture, to share my love of our mountains, to share the joy of a human-scaled agriculture that stays close to nature, and the traditions and values that remain so important in our region.
I love to capture little moments of everyday life, snippets of fun to be discovered within the découpage. You need to study a découpage closely to find all the little details, and to enjoy the story that’s being told. It’s possible to bring a touch of humour to an artwork, and it keeps everything in perspective.
Landscapes, people, the moments that make up a good day, deeper emotions … découpage can communicate all of these, and more. It’s a way for me to express myself, and, hopefully, an opportunity to move and inspire others.
