Marie Lhomet

Papermaker

A craft encounter with Japan

Marie’s work is strongly linked to Japan
She creates costumes from the paper she makes and willow
She is president of the paper section of the Salon des Beaux Arts

On the fine line between artist and craftswoman, Marie Lhomet masters the art of papermaking. Her specialisation is notably Japanese washi paper, which she explores in her finely textured works and more recently, in costume making. Just as she was beginning her career as an illustrator, Marie's work was noticed by the CEO of a big Japanese company, who offered to acquire her pieces. This encounter was a turning point in Marie's career, completely changing her life. It gave her the chance to discover the country, and over time to develop a heartfelt relationship with the culture, the people, and their approach to craft. From Japan, Marie has acquired the essence of the gestures and materials to which she attaches the greatest importance. It is how she conveys her emotions.

Interview

Have you developed any specific techniques of your own over time?: Since my residency in collaboration with basket weavers, my work has evolved very rapidly. Learning other techniques such as weaving, or natural dyeing has enriched my approach. I like to explore other materials. Currently, I am trying to incorporate linen and other more local fibres, to be as environmentally-friendly as possible.
Were you trained in papermaking by a master craftsman?: I was lucky enough to meet and be trained by Miki Nakamura and Jean-Michel Letellier, who have perfect mastery of the technique. They were a great influence. They are not just my teachers, they are my masters. We are in constant contact, and I often ask them for advice on technical details.
What do you love most about your craft?: The serenity that making paper brings me. To succeed in making paper, you have to be present in your body and in your head, almost as if in a choreography. It is relaxing, somewhere between breathwork and meditation.
When do you consider a paper artwork to be finished?: I speak here as an artist: I think the piece tells us when it is finished. At the same time, I think of paper as skin. It will take on wrinkles and stains, it will continue its life after us. A work is never really finished, just as we have never finished evolving and learning.

Marie Lhomet is a rising star: she began her career in 2017 and she started teaching in 2020