Interview: Sebastien Courty
How did you come up with these spectacular and unique hand-crafted textile art pieces?
It all started in France when I first wanted to become a jeweler / goldsmith. I then attended the Fine Art School in Paris with a major in Sculpture. After a few years I realised that jewelry making, and sculpture did not offer me enough flexibility and freedom in my creations. I wanted to play with colors, texture and mix materials as much as I possibly could.
I move to New York in 2012 and attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in Textile and Surface Design. I quickly connected the dots between the different techniques I knew, and the new medium I discovered, and decided to become a “Textile Artist”. I now create textile artworks using traditional methods such as hand weaving and thread drawing. Not limited to fiber, I used any material that allows any of these two techniques inter alia to create contemporary textile artworks.
My collection of “Totem, A Wall’s Jewelry”, (one of my best sellers) takes inspiration from the culture, natural resources, and commercial activities of a specific country, city, or region. Combining rare, precious, and unexpected components such as silver thread, rubber, banana fibers or tobacco leaf to name a few, the final textile panel becomes a window into a community, an invitation to travel and discover parts of the world one has yet to explore and open a conversation.
Your use of textures, color and form is unusual and unique, from pairing 24k gold thread, tobacco leaf, tanzanite gemstones, cotton threads, coffee and cacao beans, to create these mesmerizing, jeweled walls. How did you come to mix these noble elements textures, shapes, and hues?
I didn’t want to be a textile artist who only uses cotton, silk, or polyester yarns. I wanted to push textile to the front of the art scene by changing its perception. I am working with 24 karat gold, gemstones, and tobacco leaf to name just a few to emphasize the preciousness and rareness of my creations. It is textile, yes but, most and foremost artworks that are durable, intricate, luxurious, contemporary, and conceptual.
Every artist favors a material. In your case, which one is your favorite?
Metallic threads are my ultimate favourite. Silver and gold threads are such stunning materials to work with. With all its complexity and shininess, it reflects the light in such manner that the colors and feeling of the artwork change throughout the day.
The 24 karat gold threads are all handmade in Japan. Only a few people still master this craft, and it is a fascinating and meticulous process. The thread itself is a work of art.
Talk to us about your inspirations? Who/what inspires you artistically? What artist do you admire?
I am sure you know that inspiration is everything and can jump in your eyes when you less expect it. That said, I have my favourite sources of inspiration which continue to mesmerize me. If we were to talk about sculpture, then I would say without hesitation “BERNINI”. In terms of jewelry making, I would say Cartier in the 20’s and Van Cleef & Arpel for their Art Deco collection. The most fascinating painter of all time is for me Pierre Soulages. And Columbian textile artist Olga de Amaral is my favourite for obvious reasons as she handles texture and gold work like no one else.
For an everyday inspiration, I would say look down at the ground, the floors, the roads, the soil. Whether you are in a city or the countryside, you will find wonders, interesting textures, and colors in whatever you are stepping on.
Who is the typical client that purchases your artwork?
I work with interior designers, embassies, governmental facilities as well as private collectors.
My approach is to bring my clients conceptual visions to life by creating artworks that surpass their expectations while staying true to my artistic signature and style. My concept of “Textile Art” is flexible to most sizes and budget. With my techniques such as hand-weaving or thread-drawing possibilities are unlimited which makes any collaboration uniquely distinctive and an enjoyable process.
Adapting my research and proposals to any inspiration and space, I work with a clear consciousness of environmental challenges. Using recycled elements and sourcing supplies from fair trades, any artwork is a thoughtful approach to the question of sustainability.
I am driven by the creation of works that redefine our notions of unity, concept, representation, and personal expression.
Editor: Lisa Portscher
