Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Cognet.
Hi Olivia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Since moving to Los Angeles in 2016 from France, I have focused on ceramics as the fertile medium through which I express my boundless creativity. With the freedom this material affords to explore every type of shape and size, I create monumental bas-reliefs and giant totems as well as chairs, tables, lamps and vases. These unique pieces, handmade by the artist in my studio, all share the same high aesthetic, abstract and graphic standards. I draw inspiration from the lights and shadows of the landscapes of California, its modernist architecture and intense nature. Infusing a modern take on the great tradition of decorative arts, my work is both functional and powerfully evocative. I grew up in Nice on the Côte d’Azur, studied at the Villa Arson and was nourished by the brilliant masters from the school of Vallauris, from Picasso to Roger Capron; for me, ceramics are a key element of architecture. I start by exploring ideas on paper before moving to stoneware, using a local clay that comes in three natural shades. My designs showcase the power of contrasts; my minimal, geometric lines are interwoven with a sensual and organic vocabulary. The austere aesthetic of rough clay is heightened by the elegance of the crackle glazes, which generate singular effects. Elsewhere, ethereal excrescences defy the laws of gravity.
Day after day, guided by my intuition, I reinvent the poetic experience of creation, fashioning work through the purity of the material. I believe this is the magic of the artisan, combined with the promise of vibrant beauty, to enhance everyday life.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There are constant obstacles and challenges to my work. Firstly, I am self-taught through research and trial & error. By making mistakes, I have learned not only about new techniques and fabrication skills but also about myself. There are times when I have a feeling of being lost but sometimes there are some nice surprises that result from it!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am designer, sculptor, and ceramicist. My goal is always to design unique objects that are one of a kind, handmade from start to finish, and ultimately bridge the gap between art and design. I specialize in large-scale ceramic pieces, often functional for everyday life. For example, sculptural lamps, oversized chandeliers, tables and chairs made of clay. I’m most proud of taking the classic + traditional techniques of ceramics and modernizing it to deliver a fresh aesthetic. I believe I am set apart from others because of my upbringing, career in luxury fashion, and the fact that I have lived in Nice, Paris, and Los Angeles, ultimately providing a unique lens for how I view the world.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I grew in Nice, France. My interests were primarily in Art so I went to Italy frequently to soak in the art and architecture there. I have always been very curious and outgoing; learning how and why things work with classic craftsman has always been my favorite to do. I believe that oftentimes we see traditional forms of art being lost with the new generation and that it is beyond important to not lose these processes and knowledge. I believe it is hard to be creative and innovate in your own style without the knowledge of the foundation of the traditional technique.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.oliviacognet.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olivia_cognet/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cognet/
