Géraldine Gonzalez

Paper sculptor

©Florie Berger

©Gérardine Gonzalez

Dreaming of an imaginary world

Géraldine's sculptures mainly use wire, crystal paper and crystals
She worked as a shoe stylist before turning to sculpture
She has collaborated with crystal maker Baccarat

Géraldine Gonzalez grew up with paper. She particularly liked the type of transparent paper that her artist parents used to protect photos, tools and materials. She studied applied arts at the Duperré School in Paris, but did not emerge with a particular specialisation. However, once she decided to devote herself to sculpture it seemed obvious to her that she should use paper. Over time she drew on her inspirations and personal preferences to develop her own technique of using it. She then learned to work with metal wire, which she bends and solders to create the structure of her sculptures, much like a skeleton.

Interview

©Florie Berger

How did you create your first paper sculpture?: It was during a difficult time in my life when I didn’t have much money and I only wanted to do very big pieces. I allowed myself the freedom to create without a fixed idea of what that would produce, and I made a series of large chrysalis with lights inside. I think the idea came from a dream.
What inspires you?: I often draw inspiration from my dreams, and the idea of life and death, sadness, light, the night – there are many contrasts. You may look at my work and think it’s like a fairytale, but it’s not just that. It’s like an imaginary world where anything is possible. I feel akin to surrealists.
Where did the ideas for your jellyfish sculptures come from?: I had a dream a long time ago where I was at the top of a cliff. It was very beautiful. There was a great light and a very gentle wind. I heard a noise and when I looked up at the sky there was a big jellyfish that had to be 15m in diameter. It was a profound moment of wonder and hope for me.
What do you enjoy about your work?: When I find an idea that makes me happy. But ideas are sometimes like encounters. One can be completely enthralled by someone and then poof… nothing! So, ideas are like beautiful encounters, they are not very common and they are precious.

Géraldine Gonzalez is an expert artisan: she began her career in 1996