Salomé Cousseau

Wood sculptor

Bejewelled totems of elegance

Salomé creates wooden sculptures and jewellery in sensual and fluid forms
She works with wood, gemstones and gold-plated brass using techniques passed down from her father
Each of her pieces is a one-of-a-kind object, designed to bring warmth and refinement into everyday life

Rooted in a family legacy of woodworking, Paris-based artisan Salomé Cousseau creates sculptural wooden objects that blur the line between jewellery and home decor. Trained in fashion design and self-taught in jewellery through apprenticeships, Salomé draws on techniques passed down from her father, a cabinetmaker of 45 years. Her creations are crafted from fine woods, embedded with gemstones, and finished with touches of gold-plated brass. She is Inspired by natural forms, microscopic life, and ceremonial design from across cultures. "I sculpt each object as a quiet yet powerful gesture of elegance, meant to resonate intimately with its owner," she explains.

Interview

What led you to start this craft?: Growing up in my father’s woodworking studio, the material was always familiar to me. It was not until 2018, five years after starting to make jewellery from wood, that I expanded into creating sculptural objects for the home.
What makes your work recognisable?: Each piece is hand-sculpted in wood using freeform techniques, then detailed with gold-plated brass and fine gemstones. I aim to blend craftsmanship with softness, to create objects that feel as intimate and precious as jewellery.
Where does your inspiration come from?: Everywhere. From eroded landscapes and microscopic organisms to ceremonial clothing, animal anatomy, and even national parks. Every detail, curve or texture I see in life becomes a source of ideas.
What do people not realise about your creations?: That they are precious objects, just like jewellery. Each one includes fine stones and gold-plated metalwork, made with the same care and value found in fine jewellery. They are also surprised to know that the wood is hand polished.

Salomé Cousseau is a master artisan: she began her career in 2013 and she started teaching in 2018