Michel Gressier

Le Ciel pour Cimaise

Kite maker

©John Paul Sparrow

©Wolfgang Bieck

Harnessing the wind

Kites are Michel’s way of putting colour into space
He has worked for numerous festivals around the world
He has three workshops, the first being opened in 1981

Michel Gressier exhibits his paintings in the sky, he creates impressive kites in vibrant colours, undertaking a true dialogue with space: “I am very seriously doing something completely derisory.” After graduating from the Beaux-Arts, Michel pursued his studies at the Ecole Boulle in Paris, where learning about materials and their implementation proved to be a real eye-opener. He has since been exploring his quest of the occupation of space. Fascinated by the changes that distance creates in the reading of his paintings, Michel exploits the wind. He uses its variations along with the ever-changing light as his exposition gallery. The “bowls” are his signature kites; round in shape, he imagined them to catch the eye of the spectator.

Interview

©John Paul Sparrow

©Teophil Lemaitre

Where do you find your inspiration?: I always carry a Dictaphone and a sketchbook. I travel a lot for my work, so I use all that waiting time to write down whatever comes into my head. When I come back to the atelier, I leave myself time for research and development, experimenting with ideas.
Of all your skills, what do you consider to be your specialisation?: I would define my main skill as putting colour into space; presupposing how colourful ratios are visible with distance. The higher my paintings are, the more people can see them, but the less readable it is. I have managed to relate all different notions; it has become my culture.
How are tradition and innovation reflected in your work?: My work is constantly associated with references to tradition but always with this vigilance to remain innovative. It is important to always have this curiosity excited by external contributions. Not to submit to them but to integrate them.
Can you tell us about a memorable moment in your professional life?: Like a gift. I was testing a large piece that had just come out of the workshop. The end of day sun shone on my flight and a young boy asked me why I was doing this: I mischievously replied that it was for him. I still remember his smile I think I gave birth to a feeling, perhaps a vocation.

Michel Gressier is a master artisan: he began his career in 1981 and he started teaching in 2006