Clément Demarson

Woodturner

©Corentin Ollivau

Working without limits

Clément mixes skills and materials to create unique works
He often turns wood, bronze and other materials
He won the 2015 INMA Avenir Métiers d’Art Prize

Clément Demarson describes himself as a “materials hybridizer”, which means someone who can work with and mix various materials, skills and disciplines. He is not tied down to a specific craft or genre and his work ranges from set design to creating everyday objects, where he questions the use, identity and awareness of the object. Clément combines traditional tools that are over a century old with the latest technology, such as 3D machines, lasers and everything else imaginable, to design and produce exceptional objects in innovative environments. He places no limits or rules on what he can create.

Interview

Where do your myriad skills come from?: I am very curious by nature and love to discover new materials. One of my professors at École Boulle in Paris was extremely openminded and taught me that when we work with a material, we need a tool that is harder than the material itself. Understanding this opened up a universe of possibilities.
Do you believe that everything is possible?: That is my philosophy. Even with clients who come to me and ask for something I’ve never done, I usually always say yes, and I manage to figure out a way to make it work. I am part of an association of young artisans in Paris and it’s a goldmine of information.
Is having a mentor essential?: Learning from someone with a wealth of experience and references is essential. More than teaching a craft, my mentor was able to transmit an energy that is intangible, and you won’t find that in any book; it’s impossible to describe and very important.
Do you work in an eco-friendly way?: I try to source my materials in a conscious and thoughtful manner and to preserve these rich materials that come from nature. I pay attention to their provenance and the way the materials are treated throughout the process. It is becoming increasingly important in our field.

Clément Demarson is a master artisan: he began his career in 2015 and he started teaching in 2016