Jean Briac

Stone sculptor

©Jean Briac Ravello

When marble comes to life

Jean's marble sculptures are unusually light and thin
He is inspired by nature and the animal world
He has worked on the Sagrada Família

A stone sculptor of more than 20 years' experience, Jean Briac's preferred material is marble. Born in France but based in Barcelona, he favours local types of marble and never ceases to be captivated by their colours, hues, textures and versatility. Jean sculpts this material into geometric shapes, creating an unusual lightness and delicacy. He may start with a single block which could weigh more than 150kg; through effort and painstaking work, he will shape it into a bowl or a sculpture weighing only 6-9kg. He likes to investigate new ways of expressing his work, and is currently experimenting with the reaction of acids with marble, looking to achieve the effect of natural erosion.

Interview

How did it all start?: As a teenager I was searching for my path. I was passionate about drawing but my mother encouraged me to learn this craft. As an apprentice I learned from Albert Camazzola who taught me to respect ancient techniques and always make things well. It is thanks to him that I fell in love with marble.
What are your principal skills?: I never give up experimenting and investigating. Tools have evolved and improved throughout the years; together with patience they are my best allies. I love details and I have achieved a certain lightness in my pieces. Some of them are as thin as 3mm.
How does innovation come into a tradition like stone sculpting?: To me, innovation comes from a personal motivation to exploit the material to its limits. At the same time, when using marble, I challenge the viewer to wonder whether the material is actually marble, and carved just from one piece or different ones put together.
Has any moment in your career stood out?: I was in Barcelona on holiday in 1996 and that’s when I saw Gaudí’s La Sagrada Família for the first time. I was in awe. Eight years later, following several emails and calls, I succeeded in being part of its construction, carving windows, capitals, columns and stairs in this masterpiece.

Jean Briac is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2000