Simplicity, slabs and sophistication
- Matthieu specialises in textured glass slabs
- His approach is meditative, almost spiritual
- He has integrated gold leaf in his work through collaborative projects
Matthieu Gicquel has been attracted to glasswork since his childhood. After a comprehensive and varied training of six years, he chose to be a glass designer and sculptor, and to use plaster to reveal the textures and patinas of glass. His creations are mainly functional objects and art pieces characterised by glass that is rough. His work is often described as having a mineral texture. Matthieu focuses on sublimating the traces of the tools used to craft a piece, similarly to the way the Japanese wabi-sabi movement highlights the beauty in imperfection. The results are unique, strong creations with a random pattern. Matthieu always strives for authenticity and durability. He says: ”My work is about extreme formal simplicity combined with the complexity of the soul and the eye.“
INTERVIEW
Working on collaborative projects can be challenging. Most of the time, others have a naive view of the material, although working together also allows me to step out of my comfort zone and explore processes that go beyond my usual creations.
I specialise in the manufacture of glass slabs. In my artistic work, glass slabs are textured thanks to a refractory plaster mould that I sculpt beforehand. Each mould is unique, creating a pattern with a very mineral feel.
I find my inspiration in Japanese concepts like wabi-sabi or yugen. At the crossroads of these two concepts, it is about reaching a meditative state, taking time, slowing down. A glass object is a moment where the mind escapes, discovers details and infinitesimal variations.
I trained for six years at the Ecole Nationale du Verre in Moulins, France. I had the opportunity to discover a whole range of techniques before specialising in fusing and thermoforming.
