Hervé Wahlen

Metalworker

©M.Denekre

©J.L Maby

©M.Denekre

©Hervé Wahlen

Expressing his emotions in copper

Hervé is a master of dinanderie, shaping copper by hand
Copper reminds him of Algeria, where he was born
He likes to 'send down the elevator' to others by passing on his knowledge

Hervé Wahlen experimented with multiple techniques and materials before realising that one material had always accompanied him on this journey: copper. Along the way, Hervé developed a particular interest in engraving copper plates for printing. However, while he felt copper was the ideal material for him, he did not feel fully satisfied with engraving. Then, while undertaking evening courses in Paris he chanced upon the craft of shaping copper and brass sheets by hand. Before the end of the course, Hervé had decided to dedicate himself to this.

Interview

©J.L Maby

Did you learn with someone or are you self-taught?: I don’t know anyone who is 100 percent self-taught. I didn't go to a school, but various encounters have influenced me. I trained a little with the designer Serge Mouille, for example. I think you are never alone in this craft, even if it feels so sometimes, because there are always references to draw upon.
What inspires you?: Emotional memories. For example, I was lucky enough to go to Syria aged 15 and see the archaeological site of Palmyra, which I found amazing. When I saw a photo of the recent destruction of the site it brought back that emotion and I wanted to work with it. More and more I am guided by my emotions.
What was the first object you made?: It was a small piece of hammered brass on which I had to add a very complicated decoration. I didn’t know how to divide the pattern in a precise manner. Suddenly, and quite by chance, my tool slipped and the trace it left was the exact division I was looking for.
What surprises people about your pieces?: Generally, people don't know what a piece has gone through to reach its final form. Perhaps a week after starting, the piece might be upside down or cut in half, which wasn't planned from the start. People are surprised that at the end the piece isn't what I originally thought it would be.

Hervé Wahlen is an : he began his career in