Pierre Salagnac

Bronzesmith

©Pierre Salagnac

Nature in bronze

Pierre practises the art of bronze turning
He previsiously worked at Maison Charles
He likes to experiment with various materials

Pierre Salagnac is a bronzesmith, sculptor, and illustrator. He is one of the last remaining French craftsmen to practise the art of bronze turning. Graduated from the Ecole Boulle in Paris, his passion for metal particularly grew during the years he spent at Hervé van der Straeten, and the years spent working with master bronzesmith, Laurent Chenet. Taken under the master artisan’s wing, Pierre was able to learn thoroughly the three specific savoir-faire that compose the age-old craft: bronze mounting, bronze turning and chasing. Searching for the form hidden in the material, he graciously gives life to his bronze pieces. Amongst his masterpieces, the Bonsaï tree sculpture embodies Pierre’s virtuosity. Before sculpting, hand drawing illustration is where he takes his inspiration. Pierre's latest venture is his co-founding of The Craft Project, aimed at increasing visibility for craft and connecting craftspeople across France.

Interview

©Pierre Salagnac

©Pierre Salagnac

Is the technical complexity of bronze restrictive?: In sculpture, my first step is to forget the technique in order to feel the form. To forget who you are to refine your feeling with the material. This is how metal starts to germinate. When the transformation occurs, the technique comes to support the making.
What was the process behind the bonsai sculptures?: As a bronzesmith, we create pieces that will endure. All parts made by bronzesmiths must be removable in order to be redecorated. They must be able to be dissociated and reassembled without the mounting systems being visible. My Bonsai sculptures meet these constraints.
What is a key moment in your career?: When my master handed me the keys to his atelier. He was in the hospital; his days were numbered. He told me that I was ready, that he believed in me to take over his workshop, and that he would always be there for me. He died shortly after. He is still there for me.
Is your craft endangered?: For some parts, yes. Bronzesmith is made up of three specific techniques: bronze turning, bronze mounting, and chasing. Bronze turning is disappearing. It is still taught at Ecole Boulle, in Paris, but fewer and fewer companies and workshops are practising it today.

Pierre Salagnac is a master artisan: he began his career in 1992 and he started teaching in 2001