Antoine Maurice
Antoine Maurice is a French self-taught designer and maker whose practice explores the intersection of functional design and sculpture. Through his workshop, he creates unique handcrafted pieces distinguished by their tactile qualities, organic forms, and careful attention to texture, light, and materiality.
Drawing inspiration from both humanity and nature, Maurice develops works that blur the boundary between everyday objects and sculptural expression. Working primarily with high-quality French wood, often reclaimed and meticulously selected, he creates pieces that evoke a sense of warmth, sensuality, and connection to the natural world.
Rooted in observation, experimentation, and craftsmanship, his practice reflects a commitment to thoughtful, sustainable creation, establishing a dialogue between art, design, and daily life.
Interview
I was born in 1992, and I am from the Yvelines, France, near Versailles.
My first memory of the art world is visiting the Louvre for the first time when I was a child. The grandeur of the museum and its incredible collection left a lasting impression on me, igniting my passion for art.
In a way, I started by learning woodworking with a ‘compagnon du devoir’, a very important institution of craftsmanship and skills in France. This organization, also known as “Compagnonnage,” has a long history in France and is recognized for maintaining and passing on high-level craft skills and knowledge
I was then trained in drawing at an art school and then specialized in woodworking at the furniture school in Paris, known as La Bonne Graine. I founded my workshop in 2017 to develop my own approach to design, focusing on creating pieces that are both functional and sculptural.
My approach to design is a result of my formal training, personal philosophy, environmental concerns, and desire to create unique, handcrafted pieces that blur the line between functional objects and art.
My creative process is born from observation and research, involving prototypes, experimentation, and a blend of failures and successes. This ongoing journey allows me to continually advance and refine my practice.
A typical day at work starts with lighting a fire, followed by sketching to prepare for future creations. I then move on to putting those ideas into practice, all while listening to music, enjoying a coffee, and taking breaks for cigarettes. I keep going until I’m completely exhausted.
I often use reclaimed materials like old beams from ruined houses or wood destined for disposal. By using reclaimed materials, I aim to create « a new path for contemporary, minimalist, and more nature-friendly creation ». Working with these materials allows me to create pieces that are “halfway between the functional object and the sculpture”. The unique characteristics and history of reclaimed wood likely inspire and inform my designs.
My use of discarded materials aligns with a philosophy of giving new life and purpose to objects that would otherwise be wasted. This reflects a broader ethos of sustainability and resourcefulness. The aged and weathered qualities of reclaimed wood can provide unique textures, colors, and patterns that contribute to the aesthetic appeal of my work. Reclaimed materials often require additional skill and creativity to transform them into high-quality design pieces, allowing me to demonstrate my craftsmanship. Each piece of reclaimed wood has its own history, which adds depth and narrative to the final product. Overall, I chose wood because it is readily available and versatile, allowing for the creation of virtually anything one can imagine.
My creations feature traditional joinery techniques, with a focus on texture, sensuality, curves, shine, and light. I draw inspiration from both humanity and nature, merging these elements to create unique and evocative pieces.
My advice to aspiring artists who wish to create sculptural design works is to work diligently, never stop pushing forward, and believe wholeheartedly in your potential for success, regardless of what others may say.
I would define my works within the Brutalist movement. This style resonates with me due to its emphasis on raw materials, bold forms, and a celebration of functionality over ornamentation. I appreciate how Brutalism captures the essence of simplicity while allowing for expressive creativity.
I have been influenced by designers such as Charlotte Perriand, the Bouroullec brothers, Benoit Viaene, and many others. What captivates me are designers who possess unique characteristics and approaches that set them apart in the field.
I greatly admire contemporary designers such as Lucas Cober, Axel Chai, Kaspar Hamacher, and Maud Paul. Each of them brings a unique perspective and innovative approach to their work, which resonates with my own values in design.
I find great inspiration in Pierre Soulages. His innovative use of black and exploration of light and texture resonate deeply with me, reflecting a unique approach to abstraction that challenges conventional perceptions of color and form.
RAW.
I’d like to thank the galleries that represent me. It’s important for me that my work is showcased by galleries that align with my values and artistic vision. I’m pleased to collaborate with Galerie Philia for my presence in the United States.
“Working with reclaimed materials allows me to create pieces that are halfway between the functional object and the sculpture.”
The Questions
(The Proust Questionnaire is a set of questions answered by the French writer Marcel Proust.
Other historical figures who have answered confession albums are Oscar Wilde,
Karl Marx, Arthur Conan Doyle, Stéphane Mallarmé, Paul Cézanne…)
My idea of perfect happiness is to be able to make a living from my passion.
My greatest fear is to fail.
I think it’s my anger or to be too eager.
The trait I deplore the most in others is inaction.
My brother.
My greatest extravagance is indulging in seafood platters by the sea with my beloved.
My current state of mind is one of confidence.
I consider piety to be the most overrated virtue. While often praised, true compassion and understanding can be far more valuable than rigid devotion to tradition or beliefs.
The quality I most admire in a man is a good sense of humor.
In a woman as well. A good sense of humor is to me the most important quality in the world.
Damn shit (also known as « putain de merde » in French).
The talent I would most like to have is enhanced communication skills, particularly in public relations and related fields.
If I could change one thing about myself, it would be to manage stress better and to embrace enjoyment more fully in life.
I consider my greatest achievement to be my social relationships. I feel fortunate to be surrounded by supportive family and friends who have been there for me for a long time.
I think I would like to come back as a bird.
I would most like to live in a forest.
My cat.
I regard loneliness as the lowest depth of misery.
My favorite pastime is dining with friends.
My most marked characteristic is loyalty.
I most value their understanding and curiosity.
My favorite writers are Maurice Leblanc and Jean Teulé.
Arsène Lupin.
Thomas Edison.
My heroes in real life are those who choose their own path, embracing authenticity and courage in the face of challenges.
Lupin and Arsène.
What I dislike the most is feeling obligated to do something.
I am fortunate to say that I have no regrets so far.
I would like to die old and surrounded by loved ones.
Que je trépasse si je faibli. In english > May I perish if I falter.
“Each piece of reclaimed wood has its own history, which adds depth and narrative to the final product.”
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