Rahel & Gabor Ulveczki

Ulgador

Gilder | Jossigny, France

Myriad of metal leaf applications

Rahel and her father Gabor work together
Their work is rooted in nature and art from all over Asia
They are fascinated by the technique of verre églomisé, the art of gilding glass to produce a mirror finish

Born into a family of artists, Rahel Ulveczki had no doubt about her career path. After high school, she attended art school and worked simultaneously in her father Gabor's workshop, where she framed, painted, restored, and gilded artworks. Eventually, together they formed an established creative duo, both as visual artists. They utilise beaten metal sheets as their medium to coat surfaces instead of using paint according to the tradition. Their techniques, including the verre églomisé method, fascinates Rahel the most. Their approach is based on traditional gilding techniques, but they constantly push the boundaries of the craft to enhance their artistic expression. Much of the duo’s artistic journey is the result of experimentation, accidents and mistakes, and is not tethered to achieving perfection, which to Rahel and Gabor, would feel too restrictive.

Interview

©Betül Balkan

What do you enjoy most about your profession?: Rahel: The challenge of demanding projects that push us to be more creative. The moment we get to see one of our creations out in the world, when it starts to interact with its new space. Gabor: The infinite creativity and constantly pushing the limits of feasibility.
What was a memorable moment in your professional life?: Rahel: The project that left the biggest impression on me was the creation of verre églomisé panels for the former Chanel Spa at the Ritz in Paris. It took almost a year to make. We had to adapt a design on glass, using layers of gilding and paint. This project was very demanding. The Chanel team was brilliantly supportive, always pushing us further in our creative and production work. We were fortunate to visit the site once our creations were in place.
What would you suggest to a young person who wants to work in gilding?: Rahel: I am not sure if it is a completely definable profession, but I would advise any young person to follow their passion! Our professions cannot be pursued without passion, determination, and commitment.
What is the most unique aspect of your discipline?: Gabor: I developed my own techniques for applying and oxidising beaten metal leaf on kraft paper. I could not stop there. The experimentation continued on different papers and other surfaces such as wood, fabric and glass. Tradition is in applying metal leaf (copper, silver, gold), and innovation is in controlled oxidation and the variety of surfaces.

Rahel & Gabor Ulveczki are expert artisans: they began their career in 1995