A return to Nontron

 

We realised spring was gaining the upper hand over winter today when we spotted our first flattened Couleuvre à Collier (Natrix Natrix) of the season on the D99 someway midway between Ribérac and Nontron.  The long grass snake resembling a somewhat knackered old bycycle inner tube, a species sadly in decline, probably caught unawares whilst basking on the warm tarmac in temperatures of around 25°.

Lesley and I were on our way to support the Nontron Pôle Experimental Metiers d' Art.  Once arrived and inside the old château where the exhibits are displayed, it is quite clear that Nontron and its environs are not lacking in any artistic talent.  It is as abundant as it is creative.  All forms are given a free hand here.  Pottery and ceramics feature strongly but there are lots of other bizarre and quirky things to enjoy as well.  One of the first artists to grab us was the very talented and original Karin Weber who sculpts in paper.  Her eye catching figures displaying all kinds of form and movement.  Truly unique.

 

Strictly Nontron, the Tango

Innovation was all around and we both particularly liked the fine brass work of dinandier as her trade is known in France, Dominique Folliot.  Dominique creates jewellery and other special pieces.  In 2005 she won the prestigious Liliane Bettencourt prize for her prestigious hand-made work along with the enamelist Pierre Christel.  She accepts commissions and conducts training courses for those interested in learning any of her skills.

 

 Some fine examples of Dominique Folliot's brass and enamel work

The ceramic work of Virginie Preux would be recognisable anywhere. She studied her ceramics at the Lycée Auguste Renoir in Paris.  Virgine's inspiration comes from the human form and the natural and organic world. She captures this admirably and the piece featured below is a fine example of what currently drives her.

 

You can see the link between the human form and nature in this fine piece

 

I'm sure one day, Virginie's packing cases for her works of art will also be collectable

Another female enamelist is Dominique Morin.  Dominque specialises in the art of Raku and her inspiration is evidently Japanese.  The firing of Raku pieces is critical in achieving the distinct appearance of this type of pottery.  Peter Cutting, the potter near Ribérac, recently showed Lesley and myself his Raku technique.(See my earlier blog on his firing http://rendez-vous-riberac.blogspot.com/2011/03/king-of-pottery-riberacs-peter-cutting.html ). Having wintenssed this I can now appreciate the skill involved in the two pieces shown below.

 

Raku pottery displaying its beautiful colouring

Johana Bouvier combines her passion of nature with her love of metal.  She crafts plant pots  using brass, for the plants she cultivates.  The ones shown here had interesting hues and patinas;  some had battered effects like old silver spoons.  As her plants grow and take on their own particular shapes, Johana tries to fabricate a pot that follows the form of the plant creating a kind of symbiosis.  What do you think?  

 

Pefect plant, perfect pot as interpreted by Johana Bouvier

Isabelle Pellegrin's metier, maroquinerie, is working with leather but here at Nontron the work on display is all crafted from rubber, and in particular old cycle inner tubes.  Whilst the dress does seem to lend itself towards something with a hint of S & M about it, a bit Frankie goes to Hollywood, the design remains stylish and, in my opinion very sexy.  To be worn with caution during the cooler months of the year.

 

By Dunlop? a distinct whiff of S&M

When the young designer Jean Courvreur got together with ceramist Christian Chambeaud-Héraud and his anagama kiln, these are the amazing artefacts they came up with.  Cone shaped speakers they have named Gama.  Christian fires his kiln up to between 1300°c and 1400°c.  The temperature has to be held at a consistent level for almost four days.  This is achieved by placing cones made from ceramic in the kiln, when they begin to melt the correct temperature has been reached.  Clearly not a process for beginners.  Whilst Lesley and I were admiring them they were pumping out cool jazz to great effect.  If you want to impress your friends and neighbours, get yourself a pair.

 

Cool, are'nt they?

Ceramist Tristan Chambeaud-Héraud with designer Jean Couvreur

To complete his own son et lumière show, Jean has also collaborated with Caroline Samuel who creates fine leather work.  Caroline's influences are the medieval fairytale world, and indeed some of her spare time is spent at fairs that promote this theme.  Caroline loves to sew by hand and only resorts to a machine if necessary, Her machine of choice being a treadle powered one probably courtesy of Singer.  Jean has created some fascinating designs for desk and floor lamps and with Caroline's sewing skills has been able to produce some of the examples shown below.
 

 

Organic lighting, created from leather using the classic tripod design for stability

 

Enter Le Château at Nontron  for a window on the world of the area's Metiers d'Art