Marie Grimaud

Precious paper

• Drawing is at the heart of Marie's artistic practice
• She opened her workshop in 2012
• She is inspired by nature, her childhood and people

Marie Grimaud, a passionate jewellery maker, skillfully blends tradition and innovation in her creations. Trained at the Boulle School and Les Ateliers de Paris, she draws inspiration from her rural surroundings. Marie's unique pieces, characterised by their organic harmony and poetry, reveal a subtle dialogue between precious metals, gemstones, and unexpected materials such as paper and wood. Beyond her artistic talent, Marie is committed to ethics and sustainability, using recycled materials, and conveying a profound message through her work. Her innovative approach to jewellery redefines the boundaries between art and craftsmanship, creating timeless pieces of beauty.

Interview

©Grilles Leimdorfer

©Grilles Leimdorfer

Do you remember the first time you thought about working in jewellery?

I was initially training to be a draughtswoman and visual designer. During an open day at the Boulle School, I found myself in the jewellery workshops, captivated by the materials and the creative process. I was drawn to the idea of crafting objects from scratch with minimal tools, merging my passion for design and craftsmanship.

What brings you the most satisfaction when you create a new piece?

Bringing a drawing or just an idea to life in three dimensions. Creating balance within imbalance, combining various materials, whether precious or ordinary, crafting unique assemblies. The freedom to take my time, create without constraints, and shape things as I wish, allowing them to convey exactly what I intend to express.

Is there something about your work that people are not aware of typically?

The time it takes for each step is a concept that is hard to grasp. It is often when people come to the workshop for a few hours that they truly realise the time needed for tasks like twisting a wire, soldering a nugget, or sculpting in wax.

Are there specific techniques that you excel in?

It is hard to say if I truly master jewellery techniques; they say it takes 10 years to become a jeweller, and it has been 12 years now. I keep improving with each piece I create. I increasingly work intuitively, and enjoy customising techniques and giving them a fresh perspective.

Marie Grimaud is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2012

Works

©Marie Grimaud

©Keith Flament

©Marie Grimaud

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