Laure Mackel
Paper artist
Luxembourg, Luxembourg
Recommended by Association De Mains de Maîtres Luxembourg
Building up a sense of whimsy
- Laure specialises in contemporary papier mâché sculpture
- She works primarily with recycled and locally sourced materials
- She is inspired by nature, travel and the landscapes of Luxembourg
Laure Mackel has been shaping papier mâché into sculptural works since the mid-1990s. "My fascination with this material began during my childhood when I first saw a papier mâché sculpture in a museum," she explains. After studying graphic arts at Penninghen in Paris, she opened her own studio in 1994 and developed a personal technique that allows her to create works of all scales, from intimate pieces to monumental sculptures. Every work begins with sketches, followed by a wire armature that is gradually covered with layer upon layer of papier mâché until the final form emerges. Laure's playful sculptures bring together flowers, animals and expressive human figures, reflecting her love of nature and her desire to convey a sense of optimism.
INTERVIEW
Papier mâché has taught me patience. Every sculpture requires a long drying time and many layers before it reaches its final form. It is a physical process that develops step by step.
The commission to create three large sculptures for Deutsche Bank Luxembourg in 2007 marked a real turning point for me. It gave me great visibility and led to other monumental commissions, including the creation of three large relief walls for a public building.
Yes. Very few artists still work with papier mâché. That is why it is important to me to keep this 2,000-year-old tradition alive while reinventing it through my own technique and giving it a contemporary expression.
I would like to be asked whether I ever go through periods without inspiration or lose my passion for creating. My answer would be: no. My imagination is always present, and my passion for my work remains constant.
Laure Mackel
Paper artist
Luxembourg, Luxembourg
Recommended by Association De Mains de Maîtres Luxembourg
AVAILABILITY
By appointment only
PHONE
+352 621378455
LANGUAGES
French, German, English, Luxembourgish
Homo Faber Finds is a new service aiming to inspire admirers of craft to connect and collaborate with exceptional artisans.
We invite you to submit an enquiry here.
