How did you start working with wood?
My initial studies were in design, and I worked as a freelance graphic designer for a long time before taking a break to travel for a few years. Visiting Australia, New Zealand, Polynesia, and other countries, I experienced the joy of stepping away from the computer screen. Returning to France, I faced challenges in resuming my work.
As a child, I helped my father create various wooden objects in his workshop, planting the seed for my interest. At 33, I transitioned to a career as a cabinetmaker, learning from an experienced craftsman who imparted woodworking fundamentals. That same year, I self-taught woodcarving.
Although I haven't entirely abandoned my graphic design skills, I now apply them to fuel my newfound passion.
What inspires your creations?
My encounter with a humpback whale and her calf in Polynesia was pivotal. Since then, my obsession with the ocean and its inhabitants drives my work. I admire their graceful underwater movements, often attempting to replicate this in my sculptures, though it's quite a challenging task that occasionally frustrates me.