Valérie Vayre

Lampworker

©Pascal-Vangysel

Nourished by a deep knowledge of the arts

Valérie creates sculptural works and jewellery representing flourishing nature
She combines different mediums like lampwork glass and drawing, or lampwork glass and clay
To her, if a piece is well made, its vibrations align with those of the surrounding world

Fascinated by the transformative nature of glass, Valérie Vayre praises its magical allure to this day – fluid yet solid, transparent yet opaque. She trained at Nicolas Guitter's studio and apprenticed with Jean-Pierre Mateus, her journey shaping her expertise in lampwork glass. In 2009, she founded her own studio, working with glass and clay, as well as drawing. Valérie finds inspiration in nature's beauty, its harmonious forms and colours that bring balance to her pieces. Paradoxical and multifaceted, glass as a material is a good match for her creative expression that explores contrasts. "Being able to make a living from my craft is a daily privilege," she explains.

Interview

What was the starting point for you?: As a teenager, I wanted to do something hands-on and artistic. Choosing glass came naturally. Glass has the unique appeal compared to other mediums, that it is worked while hot. This liquid-like substance, akin to honey, producing its own light, possesses fascinating properties. There is something almost magical about this material, bordering on alchemy.
How does your work blend tradition and innovation?: Along my journey, two contrasting yet complementary worlds emerged. I learned technical glass skills – glassblowing, lampworking – then studied fine arts. Balancing formal discourse and technical expertise reconciled these worlds. To me, creating pieces without functional utility and allowing free rein to the viewer's imagination is an innovative approach to lampwork glass artistry.
Is there something about your work that people do not know?: Glass is not as fragile as it seems. It is the most paradoxical material I know. It is opaque and transparent, solid and liquid, gentle and sharp. Glass never truly lets itself be touched. There is always a tool between me and the glass when I work with it.
What advice would you give to young artisans starting out?: Beyond technical expertise, which is crucial, I believe it is equally important to cultivate a cultural background, a robust understanding of the arts. We need to draw from our cultural roots to create contemporary works. This connection to our past lends meaning and strength to our creations of today.

Valérie Vayre is a master artisan: she began her career in 1998 and she started teaching in 2011