Frédérique Domergue

Furniture maker

©Gilles Leimdorfer

©Frédérique Domergue

The alchemy of materials

Frédérique draws inspiration from materials and nature
Her work explores both craftsmanship and fine arts
She developed her own process by adapting the gilding technique

Frédérique Domergue reveals the hidden beauty of materials. By subtly marrying wood and metal, she designs contemporary furniture. But that's not all. She finds her true expression through the creation of surprising paintings made of oxidised metals. Initially a schoolteacher, Frédérique’s strong desire to create redirected her into craftsmanship. Self-taught, she gradually refined her own techniques. In particular, she covers wood with metal sheets, often brass, zinc and copper, and delicately plays with finishes. Frédérique developed her awareness of materials when growing up with artisan grandparents. As a child, she used to play in their workshop, restoring and gilding old objects.

Interview

©Gilles Leimdorfer

©Gilles Leimdorfer

How would you define your work?: I make metal cladding, like a second skin for the pieces I make. I blur the lines by bringing softness and volume to metal, which is considered cold and aggressive. I play with time to reveal another aspect of the metal, the oxidised, patinated metal.
How did you choose this craft?: The frustration I experienced in my first profession as a teacher pushed me towards a manual activity. I started doing this without having learned it. I already had several skills which I adapted to my project. But to realise an idea, a concept, was something I was missing.
What specific techniques do you master?: Today I am specifically interested in wall panels on aluminum supports which I cover with bronze and zinc sheets. The colours are obtained through oxidation of the metals; there are no paints or pigments. The oxidation is then fixed with beeswax, a 100 percent natural product.
Can you recount a key moment in your professional life?: The day I dared to say that the A3 format sample I exhibited at a trade fair next to my furniture was indeed a painting. That was the beginning of an essential step in the evolution of my work – going beyond functional furniture and giving myself over to the expression of my imagination, of my inner world.

Frédérique Domergue is an expert artisan she began her career in 2006