Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their life.
Age: 31
Occupation: Artist, designer, ceramist.
Instagram: @alanlouisparis
Hometown: Brest.
Studio location: Lisbon.
Describe what you make: My practice is based on sculpting every object by hand. I first design every piece by putting them into hand drawing to have an idea of its appearance. Then I start directly working on the piece using a mix of three modeling techniques. I mainly use the slab technique, which consists of creating slabs and assembling them manually while the clay is wet. I also sometimes use a plaster mold that I have to make myself.
When the piece is ready, it has to dry for approximately two weeks depending on the humidity. Once the object is dry, it becomes extremely fragile, but I still have to work on it, thus starting the sanding phase to give the object its final texture. Finally, I fire it in a kiln at 1,300 degrees for two or three days. After a bit of magic, the object becomes as solid as stone and reveals its final color and aspect. Besides that, I’ve always painted and I decided to exhibit and create a dialogue with my objects to create a full story.
The most important thing you’ve designed to date: All my pieces are important. They’re a step of an intricate process. What I design today wouldn’t be what it is without my first piece. I have a lot of pieces I’ve never shown because I don’t like them, but they’re also important to me.
Describe the problem your work solves: I’m hyperactive with a lot of anxiety. It’s a way for me to push away complex feelings. My work is my passion and it keeps my head from dwelling too much. On the other hand, it can also create a problem. I love to work, but sometimes I burn out because my body feels tired and sends me signs that it’s time to stop.
Describe the project you are working on now: A new collection of objects. A monumental porcelain chandelier to show the material’s fragility suspended in the air.
A new or forthcoming project we should know about: Several exhibitions in France and Portugal. One of these exhibitions will be in partnership with the Villa Noailles in Provence from June 27–Aug. 30. Besides that, I’m starting a collaboration with the Galerie Paradis in Paris starting June 6.
What you absolutely must have in your studio: While working, I need to be in a place that inspires me. My studio is still under construction, which makes it more difficult to focus. Fortunately, my view of the mountains and countryside gives me the peace I need. Music is also super important and sets my mind directly on a specific mood.
What you do when you’re not working: I started to turn my passion into full work. I’ve been working almost every day for two years because I need to put all my energy and determination into what I do. For many years, I was lost between the purpose of existence and what I should do for living. I lost myself in different directions before knowing exactly what I wanted to do for good. The rare free time I take is to rest or see friends. I sometimes need to travel back to my hometown to see my family. The free time is when my head starts to work again looking for inspiration and new things to create.
Sources of creative envy: Discovering Constantin Brancusi was an electroshock. He’s one of the rare people that I could say I feel similar vibes. When he started, many people criticized his work and that aspect fascinated me. I got super inspired by his career and experiences.
The distraction you want to eliminate: I don’t want to eliminate anything. All distractions have their role and I try to take strength and motivation from that.
Concrete or marble? Both.
High-rise or townhouse? Townhouse.
Remember or forget? Remember what’s important.
Aliens or ghosts? Ghosts.
Dark or light? Is it really possible to choose?
