Rémi Bracquemond
Nestled within the heart of the Sologne forest, Rémi Bracquemond finds solace and inspiration. His ceramics studio, bathed in natural light, serves as a sanctuary where he transforms humble clay into extraordinary works of art. With each piece, Remi invites us into a world where the organic forms of nature intertwine with the precision of human craftsmanship. His creations are not merely objects; they are tangible expressions of the artist’s deep connection to the natural world, inviting us to slow down and appreciate the beauty of nature. Learn more about Remi’s work through this series of pictures by photographer Céline Saby and floral designer Jefferson Fouquet.
Hello Rémi, how are you? Can you tell us a bit about yourself, who you are, where you're based, and what you do?
Hi Camille & Isabelle, I’m doing well today, enjoying a sunny autumn Monday in the forest. I am 36 years old and divide my time between Paris and Sologne, where my studio is located, in the heart of the Forêt d’Orléans. I am a ceramicist and ceramics curator, always exploring and experimenting with the medium. I primarily work with Saint-Amand clay, a local material sourced from Puisaye, not far from where we live. My projects range in scale, from collectible objects to larger in situ pieces like frescoes and chimney mantels, often in collaboration with interior designers. While my focus has been on clay in recent years, I am currently exploring other forms of expression, including textiles, stucco, and even a carpet design project.
Could you elaborate on how the natural environment of the Sologne forest influences your ceramic work? How do plants, animals, and overall atmosphere inspire your designs?
I only need to look out the window for inspiration! Even before moving to the woods, I found renewal in traveling and taking daily walks in nature. Needing more space and time to develop my practice, my partner Alexandre Benjamin Navet and I decided to settle in this place. I’m constantly inspired by nature’s fleeting beauty and amazed by how it transforms day by day. The atmosphere shifts dramatically from season to season, sometimes even week to week. We’re surrounded by the sounds of birdsong, and we often spot deers, owls, and even salamanders. The park is home to many old species, though I’m still learning to identify them—but I’m getting there! This natural environment deeply influences and inspires my work.
Your work seems to be a dialogue between nature and the decorative arts. How do you balance these two influences in your creations?
I have a deep love for ornamental objects, drawing much of my inspiration from the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods. Handcrafted pieces that evoke the beauty of nature particularly captivate me. My years living in Brussels left a lasting impression, as the city’s architecture and vibrant Art Nouveau heritage continue to fascinate me, probably influencing my work. I am also greatly inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement, which flourished in the British Isles during the late 19th century. As an avid book collector, I often seek creative inspiration in this era. Japanese decorative arts and craftsmanship have had a significant impact on my work as well. I’ve traveled to Japan frequently since my student days, finding endless inspiration in ancient objects and in the artisans I’ve met along the way.
Next Spring you’ll be opening a residency for artists, Les Ateliers dans la forêt. What kind of artists are you hoping to attract, and what do you hope they will gain from the experience?
We’ve already welcomed a diverse group of creatives, including a chef, an essayist, textile designers, ceramicists, photographers, painters… The goal is to mix disciplines to spark original works and unique collaborations. The space itself, nestled in the heart of the forest, is meant to inspire residents, and we hope it will give rise to exciting projects and collaborations deeply connected to nature.
You mentioned that one piece often leads to another. Could you describe your creative process? How do you develop a series of related works?
Every project starts with a drawing. I often work on different series at the same time, and when I become attached to an object, it usually turns into a small series. For instance, a chimney mantel I made led to the creation of wall sconces and large vases. Six months later, I revisited a wall sconce design that had worked well, this time using bas-relief techniques to bring it new depth. My work increasingly incorporates bas-relief, as it allows me to tell a story through the material, a process I feel deeply connected to. It's like drawing with clay.
Could you share some of the techniques you use to achieve these intricate details?
I usually make large sketches on paper beforehand, but the patterns often evolve once I start working on the final object, at its full scale. I begin by drawing on clay with a sharp tool, adding and removing material to create relief.
You've worked with a number of interior designers, including Pierre Yovanovitch. How do these collaborations influence your work?
I love collaborating with interior designers, as they often bring a clear, holistic vision to the project. I enjoy applied arts and appreciate working with specific briefs, whether it's about size, finish, or other details. These guidelines inspire me and help me create pieces that naturally fit into interiors and tell a story.
You mentioned creating large-scale murals and fireplace surrounds. What are the unique challenges and rewards of working on such ambitious projects?
Large-scale murals and fireplace mantels are my favorite projects. They feel like a giant puzzle—you can't wait to see the final result. Sometimes the process is technically challenging, clay keeps being mysterious sometimes, which makes it all the more rewarding.
Your work often features floral motifs and natural elements. Are there any particular themes or symbols that you frequently explore in your art?
Floral motifs with exotic vegetation, flowers, fruits, berries, and occasionally animals like birds often appear in my work, emerging naturally. I'm currently exploring new types of symbols inspired by a custom-made large fresco, which I find both stimulating and refreshing.
Could you tell us about Volume Ceramics and your implication in the project?
I founded Volume Ceramics in 2019, driven by my passion for ceramics and a desire to promote contemporary ceramic art from around the world. Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of discovering incredible new talents and helping them connect with collectors and interior designers. The ceramicists of my generation are notably generous, always opened to share their techniques and practices. Initially, due to the pandemic, my curation work was primarily shown online, but I also participated in design fairs like Collectible in Brussels. My goal has always been to create an artist-run gallery that promotes contemporary ceramic art. Last year, I opened Volume Ceramics gallery in Paris, in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, which has been the perfect space to engage with new collectors, enthusiasts, and designers. Currently, I’m searching for the ideal space to continue promoting our collective work and launched our new collection online this December (on www.volumeceramics.com)
What do you find most rewarding about collaborating with other artists or designers?
A few weeks ago, I completed a large fountain with two ceramicists I love – Victor Alarçon and Nitsa Meletopoulos. Their sense of color, liberated approach to glazing, and positive energy were invaluable in the creation of this monumental piece, exhibited at Amélie Maison d’Art in Paris thanks to curator Johanna Colombatti. Earlier this year, I also collaborated with designer Léa Zéroil and cabinetmaker Mathieu Vallet on a series of sculpted sideboards. This project was both a technical and creative challenge, as it required merging our respective visions and craftsmanship, resulting in a work that I am truly proud of. The first sideboard was exhibited at PAD Paris with Galerie JAG and 2 others are actually in the making. Our residency, Les Ateliers dans la Forêt, will be the ideal space to nurture more collaborations like these in the future.
“Born from an intensive study of Rémi Bracquemond's ceramics, these images are a visual exploration. Two days immersed in his forest studio, we reimagined the possibilities of his vessels. We set them against vibrant backdrops, isolated them in nature, and even digitally placed them back into the very forest that inspired them. This series is a contemplation on objects and their surroundings, a celebration of light, materiality, and color. Thank you to Rémi and Alexandre for their generous hospitality.”
Céline Saby & Jefferson Fouquet
Rémi Bracquemond @remibrac
The new residency program - @lesateliersdanslaforet
Volume ceramics - @volumeceramics www.volumeceramics.com
A series of pictures by photographer Céline Saby @celinesaby & floral designer Jefferson Fouquet @jefferson_fouquet