My passion
Arson discusses his journey and tells us about his work as a sculptor.
My job
I am often asked the same questions about my work as a sculptor.
Why did I become an artist, and a sculptor in particular?
Why choose sculpture, when I had started a painting course at art school and wanted to move towards architecture?
Why be represented by leading online art galleries like Artsper or Saatchi and create my own website?
In fact, I don't have a precise answer as to why I chose sculpture , simply because it wasn't a choice. It's my sensitivity, my interest in materials and objects, that gradually allowed me to express myself through sculpture. I need to work with materials of any kind; I find profound pleasure in transforming a lump of clay into a model, in carving stone, or in pouring metal into a plaster mold that I've created from a model or a carving. When I begin a piece in the studio, driven by an idea, an irrepressible urge, I have no idea what the result will be, and a struggle begins between the material and me.
Sometimes I doubt myself, I'm afraid of going in the wrong direction, of not succeeding because the material is stronger than my will to bend it, to shape it as I wish, because it resists my desire to transform it. This feeling of resistance is very strange, and often I have to force it. I can already hear you drawing a parallel with a desired woman. I admit that sculpture is first and foremost a sensual expression that could be linked to love. In my case, it's the love of a woman; you'll also tell me that this shines through in my work, undeniably.
But I would say that my work is surrealist poetry, and if my work is described as iconoclastic, I consider it a compliment. Too much has already been seen in art today, too much has already been copied and recopied. Too much "gadget" or "decorative" art, which fills the galleries, and to which I prefer the art of expressing an opinion, in an era when we are advised not to have one. Freedom of thought, freedom of action, freedom of speech having become a mortal sin, in a world without dreams and without a future, art is still a possible medium.
What could be more beautiful, what could be more exciting than my work as a sculptor?
Generally, all my sculptures are either sculpted or made from clay models. Once the sculpture is complete, I create a mold to make casts in resin or metal, bronze or tin. You might ask... why casts and not unique pieces? Of course, I have many unique works, but they are naturally more expensive.
All my reproductions at different scales, such as the Esculmaux family, are specific sculptures and not simply 3D reproductions. Model 53 will be more feminine than model 230, and the same applies to the others.
Sculpture Gallery
Few artists can easily make a living from their work. That's why I created my online sculpture gallery , and even though I'm represented in a few galleries run by friends, and even though I've had numerous exhibitions at art fairs, I want to be able to connect directly with the enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate my sculptures. It's a virtual art gallery, certainly, but it can lead you to my studio in the South of France, where, after living for about fifty years in Gordes in the Vaucluse region of Provence, I'm now based in Bouchet, a charming little village on the Côtes du Rhône wine route in the Drôme Provençale. There, you can discover my surroundings, and I'll be delighted to welcome you.
You will come to see me, always in Provence, amidst the magnificent vineyards of Vacqueyras, Gigondas, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and so many other delights, such as the truffle market of Richerenches, the Grignan festival, the Chorégies d'Orange, the Mont Ventoux region, and so many other splendors in these southern lands where I am happy to practice my art. I will be waiting for you there.