Tanguy Tourain

Metal sculptor

Bringing brass to life

Tanguy started casting metal at the young age of 18
He makes brass sculptures in his own foundry
Nature provides endless inspiration for his creations, which invite reflection

When he was barely 18 years old, self-taught artisan Tanguy Tourain first founded a small company specialised in architectural interior applications with his partner Julie Desmidt. Out of this enterprise grew his current workshop and production of artistic interior objects, made mainly with brass that Tanguy casts in his own foundry. “My first pieces stemmed from my experiments with welding and assembling, and the further development of my work happened organically,” he says. “Every time I have an idea, I sketch it and then try to bring it to life in my workshop.” Tanguy's ambition is to make daring and imaginative creations that truly draw people in. “People should want to touch and smell them, really interact, rather than simply look at them, in the same way that nature draws us in,” he explains.

Interview

What attracted you to your craft?: I was attracted by the fact that you can make very refined, tangible and elegant creations with such rough and tough techniques. Now, I love my craft because it allows me to imagine something in my mind, and I can make it come to life through my hands.
Why do you focus on brass casting?: It is a process often used in the art world or industry to produce complex pieces or fill in large productions. However, I was drawn to the challenge of mastering this technique to make interior objects. It is an unconventional, innovative process which is rare on the market and requires very specialised knowledge.
Would you say that your way of working is in danger of disappearing?: Yes, I believe so, because there are really very few foundries left, in Belgium and elsewhere.
Where do you get the inspiration for your pieces?: The structures and textures of nature’s creations are inexhaustible sources of inspiration for me. From volcanoes erupting with lava in other countries, to the fungi that grow on trees in my own surroundings. nature continues to inspire me.

Tanguy Tourain is an expert artisan he began his career in 2015