Geneviève Mathieu & Manoli Gonzalez

Botanical sculptor

©PascalFremanteau

A shared creative sensibility

Geneviève and Manoli are both fascinated by plants
They bring ceramics into dialogue with various materials
Their sculptures feature a luminous dimension

Like a "harmonious dance between two artists", Geneviève Mathieu and Manoli Gonzalez fuse their know-how to create luminous sculptures that convey the poetry of nature. While Manoli is an experienced ceramicist, Geneviève specialises in plant sculpture and works with a wide range of materials, from wood to metal. Their decorative objects are an expression of their shared expertise. “It is a delicate dialogue, an intimate dance between inert ceramics and plants vibrating with life.” The duo first met at a craft exhibition in 2011, where they noticed a synchronicity in their inspirations. In 2017, they started experimenting on common pieces. Since then, their partnership has only continued to flourish. Manoli and Geneviève both divide their time between collaborative and personal work.

Interview

©PascalFremanteau

©PascalFremanteau

What drew you to craftsmanship in the first place?: Manoli: Craft gives me the opportunity to express myself through a material and many techniques. Clay is my medium of creation, communication and exchange. Geneviève: For me, craftsmanship is synonymous with know-how and quality. My desire was to design unique pieces that transcend a commercial purpose and reflect an authentic approach to creation.
What specific techniques do you each master?: Geneviève: My work is not defined by a single technique. Whether it is knitting, collage or woodcarving, each technique is a tool I use to bring my vision to life. Manoli: I master a wide range of ceramic techniques, and I am always looking for solutions to achieve our goals, depending on what is required.
What was the first object you made as a duo?: Our first work as a duo was a piece called L'Arbre aux Papillons. It is a tree standing in balance on a wooden cube, decorated with blown glass leaves and porcelain butterflies.
How does your creative process unfold as a duo?: Our creative process is a harmonious dance between two artists. We exchange ideas, adjust our sketches, and share the production work. The work is a symbiosis, where we constantly share our ideas and stimulate each other. When the creation is complete, we decide together to present it to the world.

Geneviève Mathieu & Manoli Gonzalez are master artisans: they began their career in 1998 and they started teaching in 2008