Paris-based artist Julie Bergeron crafts captivating ceramic vessels that blur the lines between the natural world and artistic expression. Inspired by the intricate details found in biological illustrations, particularly those by Ernst Haeckel, Bergeron imbues her work with organic forms and captivating textures.
But Bergeron’s creative process is anything but rigid. She embraces a spontaneous approach, allowing the sculptures themselves to guide her. “When I start my pieces, I don’t have a specific idea”, she says. “Gradually the sculpture takes shape, and I let myself be guided by its curves and its irregularities”.
This organic development is reflected in the final pieces. Bergeron’s vessels are a fusion of smooth curves and unexpected protrusions. She employs coiling techniques to build the initial forms, then adds layers of detail through engraving or adorns them with repetitive patterns. The finished products are like captivating organisms from another world, defying easy categorization.
The lack of preconceived notions extends to the naming of the sculptures as well. The titles come to Bergeron only after the piece is complete, inspired by the emotions or imagery it evokes. This adds another layer of intrigue, inviting viewers to project their own interpretations onto these enigmatic forms.
Perhaps the most striking aspect of Bergeron’s work is the sense of life it conveys. Many of the pieces seem to pulsate with an inner energy, blurring the line between object and organism. Bergeron herself acknowledges this, stating, “Often the sculptures seem alive to me”.
Julie Bergeron’s creations are a testament to the beauty of embracing the unexpected. By combining organic inspiration with an open-ended creative process, she produces captivating sculptures that spark the imagination and leave a lasting impression.
More info: Website, Instagram (h/t: Colossal).
