Interview

• Did growing up in Brittany give you a love for embroidery?

  It trained my eye to be attracted to beautiful embroidered fabrics. Brittany is known for its rich heritage of unique embroidery and costumes. At a young age, I was immersed in beautiful fabrics, each with their own symbolism, which is what I try to emulate in my work – incorporating messages and symbols into textiles.

• What challenges do you face?

  I am based in Paris and competing with large studios that are producing part of their work abroad. I strongly believe in the Made-in-France aspect of my work and in fair remuneration for those who work with me. People are often unaware that the quality that comes with local handmade products results in a higher cost.

• Why is it important to train interns and why are they usually women?

  Passing on skills is extremely important for the craft to survive. The artisans in the younger generation are very motivated, they are realistic about the difficulties they face, and passionate, which is essential. Historically embroiderers were men, it is something that has evolved and now it’s rare to see a man.

• You convey stories in your works. Where do they come from?

  They change depending on my source of inspiration. Each time, I reinterpret either a period or a specific theme. There are two levels or perspectives in my work: close-up and from far away. As we move closer, a different story emerges. I want viewers to experience a feeling, I do not want to dictate one to them.