Ludivine Loursel

Glassblower

©Tadzio

©Alex Gallosi

When glass plays with fire

Ludivine specialises in fire arts, particularly glass and metal
She teaches at the prestigious École Boulle in Paris where she once was a student
Photos of her work were exhibited on the railings of the Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris

With a rich and diverse background in applied arts, Ludivine Loursel creates lighting, sculpture and objects imbued with expertise and sensitivity. She combines metal and glass with fire – her gestures merge with her creative intuition. "My ideas and emotions materialise through form and function. My creations offer a deep reflection, and reference history and mythology," Ludivine says. She gained invaluable experience working for artist Jeremy Maxwell Wintrebert, with whom she perfected glassblowing with a pipe. Ludivine's expertise also spans glass sculpting, bronze mounting, metalwork, welding and even electric lighting systems. From her atelier in Normandy, Ludivine leads several projects. Her works have been featured on a French TV channel, as she was filmed working on her biggest project to date, a lighting fixture measuring two metres tall.

Interview

©Marion Saupin

©Tadzio

Which technique do you enjoy the most?: The torch. In brass making, it is used for shaping and welding. In glassblowing, it is used for sculpting and precise heating.
How do you feel about teaching your craft?: Teaching is very important to me. I had the chance to meet people who passed on their knowledge to me, helping me grow and become the craftswoman I am today. I would like to do the same for others.
What is a memorable moment from your practice?: The first memorable moment was when, for the first time, a large steel tube transformed into a circle in my hands. I was helping to bend it for a set design. After that, I never stopped questioning how such a strong material could be shaped and deformed so easily.
What are your main sources of inspiration?: I am inspired by nature, the beach, the feeling of the sun on my skin and the emotions I have when I meet new people. These feelings are very similar to those I experience when I am with someone I love. Suddenly, everything stops and cools down – I feel safe.

Ludivine Loursel is a rising star: she began her career in 2017 and she started teaching in 2024