Manon Cardin
A Glimpse into Manon’s Creative Space
Discover the creative world of Manon Cardin, a talented textile artist and illustrator. As we explore her journey, we discover the intricate connection between her passion for art and her love for nature. From her start in fashion to her current projects, Manon’s work is a testament to her unique vision and boundless creativity. Join us as we uncover the inspiration behind her stunning textile creations and learn about her future aspirations.
Hello Manon, thanks for taking the time to chat with us today! We’d love to learn more about your work. What were you working on just before we connected?
Hi girls, thank you so much for inviting me. I’m really happy you like my work. At the moment, I’m working on a textile painting inspired by the landscape visible from my kitchen window. Fields, trees, the sky, and a road.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your artistic journey, how were you drawn to working with textiles? Where comes from your interest in textile and illustration?
I think I’ve always been drawn to the world of textiles, starting with clothing. My parents passed on their passion for second-hand shops like Emmaus, and I discovered a passion for hunting for vintage clothes and fabrics, drawn to prints and beautiful materials. I was also lucky enough to have a grandmother who was passionate about old linens. She gave me my first embroidered 1900s sheets, nightgowns, and so on. I already loved wearing these magnificent undergarments, made by hand and meticulously embroidered.
It was at art school when I was 19 that I got my first sewing machine, and I started sewing small things. I went on to get a sewing certificate, worked as a seamstress at Chanel, then earned a degree in fashion design and had several experiences in ready-to-wear and luxury fashion. After several setbacks, I finally decided to quit everything and go freelance as an illustrator. I’ve been freelancing in this field for 5 years.
My first textile creations were born after the lockdown when we bought a house in the countryside and I was able to bring all my fabric stash with me. I wanted to learn new things, so I discovered patchwork and threw myself into it, making my first large quilt with an American pattern. I became passionate about the technical and creative aspects of this art. Gradually, I thought it would be interesting to express more personal things. That’s how I got the idea of translating my illustrations into textile paintings.
The materials you use in your textile pieces are beautiful. Where do you source them and how you choose the fabrics that inspire your creations?
At the beginning, everything was made entirely with my stock of vintage fabrics. But over time, I had to expand my range, so I turned to stocks from luxury houses (cotton poplin, wool, silk, etc.) and a European linen supplier with ecological dyes.
Could you share a bit about the creative process behind your work? How do your ideas come to life through textiles?
My first textile paintings were an interpretation of my drawings. Today things have evolved; I think more about the painting as a whole. I make preparatory sketches, cut out images from magazines, and paste them. I take a lot of photos everywhere and keep them in a folder (nature around me, flowers, landscapes, and exhibitions). I’m always on the lookout for potential inspiration!
If you absolutely had to choose just between textile and illustration, which would you gravitate towards and why?
Ha! It’s hard to choose! But if I listen to my heart right now, I’d say I would choose textiles. Because this medium allows me to “draw” differently, to create shapes, universes, like in drawing but with fabric. It gives me a constraint that I love. But at the same time, I love the versatility of illustration. I can practice it anywhere and I’m lucky to have a variety of projects, I never get bored!
The influence of nature and flowers is undeniable in your art. How these elements play a role in your work and inspire your designs?
Nature and flowers are everywhere around me. I live in the countryside, I have a big garden, it nourishes and calms me. For me, the environment in which I live is central and determining for my practice. Drawing or sewing flowers, trees, may seem naive or easy, but for me, it’s my way of resisting the violence of the current world, it helps me connect with gentleness and beauty.
Who or what would you say serves as your main source of inspiration?
Nature, books, old movies, exhibitions, people, and everything around me.
Is there anything exciting you’re looking forward to in the coming months, perhaps a new project or artistic adventure you can share?
Right now, I’m working on a series of textile paintings with more personal themes. I’d like to approach galleries to find an exhibition space. Any wealthy art lovers out there, feel free to reach out!
Manon Cardin - @manoncardin_illustrations @manoncardin_textile
www.manoncardin.com
Pictures - Virgile Biechy @virgilebiechy