Clément Landry

Woodcarver

©Alma Studio

©Clément Landry

Precisely precious sculptures

Clément combines the art of gilding with wood carving
His skills as former jeweller are apparent in his sculptures
He relies solely on his mastery of traditional techniques

Clément Landry is a woodcarver and gilder who brings the two crafts together in the creation of contemporary sculptures. After 21 years of working as a jeweller, a work accident made him suddenly reconsider a new path. That is when he remembered a gilding workshop he had visited years before, the atelier of 'Mr Gold Leaf' as he recalls it. Inspired by this, Clément started training in sculpture and gilding and quickly became passionate about practising both skills and working them in tandem. Today, in his atelier located in a village of Provence, Clément carves oak into clean, graphic shapes that he sublimates with gold leaf. “As long as I have not added gold leaf, the work is not complete.” Clément was named Maître Artisan d'Art in 2024.

Interview

©Clément Landry

©Clément Landry

After working as a jeweller, what was it like to turn to sculpture?: It is mentally challenging. I use the vocabulary of a jeweller, not a sculptor. In my head, I always use a file. I have kept my old training reflexes, working on a small, precise scale.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?: My observation. Creation is like a shelf on which you pile up information. It can be very simple things – a flower pot, a wall where ivy has been pulled out and has left marks. As I have projects for the next six to 12 months, I often go back to look for things I have 'stored up'.
Do you also work as a gilding restorer?: Yes, I enjoy keeping an activity as a gilding restorer. Dismantling a frame, opening it up – it is great to see behind the scenes: the difficulties encountered, the little notes, the aged wood, etc. You get inside and bring things back to life. This has real value for the people who come to see me.
Is there anything about your work that people are not aware of?: People often do not realise how long gilding takes. It is a very lengthy process, and depending on the piece, I can spend a whole week on it. I use the technique of tempera gilding which involves many stages. It is the same technique that was used at the Palace in Versailles.

Clément Landry is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2012