Margaux Dereume
Meet Margaux Dereume, a Paris-based artist specializing in prints, flowers, and paper. Her childhood in the south of France fostered a strong connection to nature, which is a major influence on her creations. Her hand-painted paper flowers, under the name Tij Flowers, demonstrate this deep connection. We explore her creative process, inspirations, and the unique path that led her to make these dreamlike floral sculptures, examining the combination of art, design, and her profound link to the natural world. Margaux’s creative world was captured by Céline Saby’s photographs during a visit to her Parisian studio.
Hello Margaux, how are you? Can you tell us a bit about yourself, who you are, where you’re based, and what you do?
I’m doing well, thank you. I’m working from the south for a few days, which is a nice change from Paris! I’m Margaux, passionate about flowers and colors. I live in Paris, but I’m originally from La Croix-Valmer, a small village in the south of France. I’m a print designer, artist, and floral designer. I create prints, patterns, and drawings, but also paper flowers that are completely handmade and painted, either real or dreamlike.
Growing up near the sea and surrounded by nature, how did this environment shape your love for flowers and nature in general?
I truly believe that these are my creative roots and the depth of my soul. Until I was 18, I was always surrounded by a very privileged relationship with nature. I was constantly in the trees, building a treehouse or making bouquets, looking for mushrooms or wild asparagus, catching crabs, collecting pieces of polished glass in all colors, collecting shells and rocks, or observing fishes with my mask. It’s simply my primary source of inspiration, it is truly a part of me, and it’s what allows me to feel free even mentally, nature always felt like home to me.
Nature is fascinating, I’m still in awe of it—its shades, its shapes, the reflection of the sun on the waves. It’s an endless source of inspiration that influences each of my creations. It’s an infinite mood board.
Can you share a specific memory from your childhood that sparked your interest in art and design?
I think my first art memory is a painting by Matisse, which we had a poster of in the dining room. It was the one with the goldfishes !
But also, two particular pieces of furniture: a Wassily chair by Marcel Breuer. I even did a presentation about his career and the technique of tubular steel he created when I was in art school. And especially a Terra coffee table by Bernard Vuarnesson, on which I played for hours. It had a wooden grid in which my mom had placed sand and seashells from all the beaches around the world that they had visited.
Also, I originally wanted to become an object designer!
You have a background in both art and fashion. How did these two disciplines influence your work as a print designer?
Yes, I think it’s very complementary, and when it comes to patterns, I never draw inspiration from fashion, but rather from art, design, and nature. I also love doing research at the library; I always discover new things. I could spend my life making moodboards. I would say that fashion is a medium, but the inspiration comes from elsewhere.
What inspired you to start creating paper flowers, and how did you go from a personal project to launching Tij Flowers?
Several years ago, I created a scenography with a lot of paper flowers for Givaudan, it was my first time with paper flowers.
I thought about it recently and felt inspired to create truly unique, painted, and dreamlike designs, almost like small sculptures. It was initially a personal project and an experiment. I quickly created an Instagram account, and soon after, I received requests from friends of friends. Then came commissions for brands, set design, invitations, dinners... In three years, it became a full-fledged project.
For me, it’s a way of combining craftsmanship and objects in a certain way. The goal was obviously to fill that frustration and lack of nature in my life. I loved the idea of having a floral sculpture that could last over time, but also one that could be fully customized.
I love that it can serve as both a tool and a source of playfulness.
What is the significance of the name "Tij Flowers"?
I was looking for a short, visually interesting name, with, of course, a connection to a botanical field. I liked the idea of changing the already existing and meaningful French word "tige" by altering the spelling. I also wanted a word that felt « light »
When you dig a little into the meanings in different languages, it could evoke moss, or the span of time between the rising and falling tides, and in Sanskrit, it refers to the word for sharpening or enduring with patience, haha.
Can you describe your creative process when designing new paper flower collections?
It really depends. When I Sometimes get commissions to recreate reality as closely as possible, it starts with an existing plant that I adapt to paper materials because there are still some constraints. But what I love the most is truly creating models from scratch. It’s often guided by a shape or design object inspirations. I enjoy changing scale and playing with colors and paint effects, like gradients. I like for it to be surprising !
Then, I develop a sample, do some trials, and if I’m convinced, I add the model to the collection!
As for the technical process, I cut and paint all the petals by hand, preferably with watercolor inks. I also enjoy using recycled paper when possible (like from packaging, for example), otherwise, it’s mainly silk paper or crepe paper with different weights.
What are your future goals for Tij Flowers?
Maybe the opportunity to combine floral design and push it towards an even more object-oriented and functional version. I would also love to develop my own papers and colors, and work on special projects during artist residencies or large-scale projects. Learn new craftsmanships and developing new techniques or collaborating with someone whose work I admire would be amazing!
Is there anything else you would like to share about your work or your journey as an artist?
I believe what I've learned in recent years is that it's important to listen to your intuition and your heart. We often forget this in favor of logic and reason, but I think it’s a crucial part of any creative work. It’s important to be aware of what makes us feel alive.
Margaux Dereume - @margauxdereume @tij.flowers
Pictures - Céline Saby @celinesaby
www.celinesaby.com