Manon Perrier & Alexandre Guilmart

Atelier Buffevent

Metal sculptor

©Alex & Manon

In steel symbiosis

Alex and Manon are self-taught steel artists
Manon has been sculpting and selling her works since she was 18
Together they make larger-than-life steel animals

After experimenting with various mediums like bronze, clay and concrete, Manon Perrier discovered the potential of steel, and she did not look back. Inspired by her father who had a workshop, by some artist friends in a collective, including sculptor José Maria David who acted as Manon’s patron, she focused on recreating the human form at first. As for Alex Guilmart, he began sculpting when he met Manon and fell in love with the craft. The duo has developed an intuitive technique to make monumental sculptures of horses, roosters, and other animals that are infused with movement. For Manon and Alex sculpting is like magic and steel is a material with infinite possibilities. Constantly evolving and innovating is their driving force.

Interview

©Alex & Manon

©Alex & Manon

Do you master any specific techniques?: Drawing and welding. These come to us intuitively, like calligraphy or comic book inking. We have developed our own technique, such as creating volume. We often also use tools in a way that strays from their primary function.
Have you specialised in a particular type of sculpture?: For us, it is not the subject that counts, but the interpretation. Our skill is to be able to adapt to different subject matters, even different styles, and bring emotion and beauty to life.
What are your sources of inspiration?: We are inspired by classical, academic and impressionist art, by the great masters of the 19th century in painting and sculpture. We are also inspired by what surrounds us. We are very focused on nature. The commissions we get allow us to explore subjects that we would not naturally go towards. They allow us to step out of our comfort zone and progress.
How would you define what you do?: There is something akin to alchemy in our work. We sculpt beings, we give life to matter, we play with lines and emptiness, looking for grace. When the sculpture is alive in the eye of the beholder, that is when we feel it is well done. Our sculptures are a real coming together of both of our energies and no one knows who exactly does what in our works.

Manon Perrier & Alexandre Guilmart are expert artisans they began their career in 2014