Who are you Marine?
I am a 29 years old French lamp designer. I was raised in Paris, but my family is partly from Bordeaux which is why I decided to set up my atelier there.
You recently started to create these gorgeous lamps, how did it all start?
When I graduated from the Art Deco, I was doing freelance work designing textiles. I went to Bordeaux on vacation to visit my family and while I was there, decided to stop by my grandfather’s motor factory.
I walked in and instantly fell in love at the sight of all the dismantled motors, the loose pieces, and the machines… it clicked. It was so beautiful, yet so raw. These pieces had to be rebuilt, reworked into lamps; I wanted to give them a new life.
It all started thanks to a series of happy coincidences…
When did you create your first lamp?
I started in October 2008, I selected the pieces, created some lamps ideas and tried to give them life. That was the easy part…
I then had to start cleaning, polishing, and varnishing the pieces… at the very beginning I didn’t really know if it would work. It was more of an experimental phase to understand all the mechanisms and if it would work once they were dismantled.
I have to admit that it was an exciting time because it was extremely challenging. I had to learn very quickly how to make all these massive machines work and I really got thrown into a craft I didn’t know much about…
The first lamp was ready in December 2008 and it was exactly what I wanted. It took me over 3 months to finalize and master the process, but it was worth it. Today, I still use the exact same techniques.
Tell us more about the process.
The process is long and precise: the motor pieces are sorted, trimmed, polished, sanded and then assembled and soldered. There are 3 stages; the discovery-selection of the motor pieces, the cleaning process, and finally, the design and assembling of the lamps.
Are all the lamps unique?
Yes they are- they are numbered and signed. They really are sculptures turned into lamps.
Ideally, where would you like to see them exhibited?
I would love for my work to be presented at the Fumi Gallery in London. I LOVE their selection; it is my favorite place to go to find inspiration.
What is the price range for your lamps?
They range from $400 to $5000 (depending on the size).
You are based in Paris, what is your favorite place in the city?
I grew up in Paris, and it is unquestionably the most beautiful city in the world. I really love to go to the Place du Carrousel around the Louvre.
A favorite restaurant?
Chez Julien on the banks of the Seine in the 4th arrondissement.
A favorite bar?
I love typical little French cafés like Le Cafe de l’Epoque, Rue Croix des Petits Champs.
A favorite shop?
I love Deyrolle in the 6th arrondissement.
If you could live anywhere else, where would you live?
New York.
Why?
Because of its energy, it is very stimulating artistically and you still have the feeling that anything is possible.
What’s next? Any project?
Another exhibition in NYC in September; one in London in October, and hopefully one in Miami during Art Basel.
Marine is currently showing her lamps in her NY showroon located 231 West 18th street, suit 3. For more information, please call her agent Celine Mariton on + 1646 719 64 50 or email contact.usa@breynaert.fr
Gilded Butterfly 