I am very curious by nature and love to discover new materials. One of my professors at École Boulle in Paris was extremely openminded and taught me that when we work with a material, we need a tool that is harder than the material itself. Understanding this opened up a universe of possibilities.

That is my philosophy. Even with clients who come to me and ask for something I’ve never done, I usually always say yes, and I manage to figure out a way to make it work. I am part of an association of young artisans in Paris and it’s a goldmine of information.

Learning from someone with a wealth of experience and references is essential. More than teaching a craft, my mentor was able to transmit an energy that is intangible, and you won’t find that in any book; it’s impossible to describe and very important.

I try to source my materials in a conscious and thoughtful manner and to preserve these rich materials that come from nature. I pay attention to their provenance and the way the materials are treated throughout the process. It is becoming increasingly important in our field.