Spot the Designer - Claude Lescar /France

What did you want to be when you were a child?

I don't have a precise memory of what I wanted to do when growing up, but after all, I don't believe much in definitions. At first, I wanted to be a veterinarian then having a taste for artistic constructions and after a technological training I had my diploma as a professor of Technology.

When have you started creating jewelry? How did this passion come about?

I first made paintings and sculptures and then jewelry with students in various materials such as PVC, Plexiglas.

What was your first project or significant piece for you and from what point of view?

 One of my first challenges; giving transparency to a piece of concrete.

 How do you charge your batteries? What other passions and creative interests do you have?

I like to relax by the water; either the sea by sailing, or the river by going fishing. I worked with a licier of the Manufacture des Gobelins for the realization of tapestries (then myself my tapestries) and I work regularly with my husband sculptor on marble or other stones.

What does the connection between manufacturing tradition and contemporary design mean to you?

The mastery of traditional basic techniques allows a certain emancipation to the creator.

Is there a self-portrait piece that speaks most about you?

It is not easy for me to determine myself through one of my creations because I always try to evolve. This piece expresses both a certain fragility with an emphasis on accidents of life, its cracks and fractures.

Which material have you not yet used is a temptation and a challenge for you?

During my training career I had the opportunity to work various plastic materials and metals with CNC machines. Personally I worked a lot textiles and stones like Carrara marble or other limestone. On the other hand, I never had the opportunity to forge silver and gold.

How do you see the future of contemporary jewelry?

After sculptors such as Picasso, Arman, César, Tinguely, contemporary sculpture seems to be stagnating. But the emancipation of contemporary jewelry with the exploration of sculptural creation (initiated by Jean Vendome) investing various materials, not always precious, seems to me to prefigure a very interesting evolution.

Find more about the designer Claude Lescar