Artist interview : Malacou Lefebvre
What is your background?
After studying at the HEC business school and a master's degree in corporate finance, I worked in mergers and acquisitions and in coaching entrepreneurs.
The rest was a self-taught work on the material and the drawing.
How did your vocation as an artist come about? What was the trigger that led you to art and creation?
I feel as if I have only recently become aware of my " artistic vocation", yet, taking a step back, I realise that it is something that has always been in me. As a child, I was totally devoted to building huts, to all kinds of plastic arts, even to making installations in my room. So, I won't talk about a "click", but more about "vocation" in its etymological sense: vocare: to be called. Indeed, it is something that has been there since the beginning, I just had the chance/listening to be able to answer this call.
Why did you choose to create furniture?
The idea of use and functionality has always interested me. For me, it is part of a quest to understand physiological and ergonomic functioning that I find fascinating.
Can you tell us about the creative process of a work?
My creative process is extremely variable in both time and manner. It can start with a drawing, by observing a shape or by grabbing steel and playing with it. The time of creation is also variable and can go from two days to 6 months, alternating back and forth between my drawings and the workshop.
What are your artistic influences and inspirations?
First of all, it is often readings, landscapes and discussions. It is also Louise Bourgeois for her expressive power.
What role does nature play in your creations?
Nature as a physical element has not yet taken up much space in my creations, it is rather found at its symbolic and sometimes formal level. The issues of contemplation, vanishing lines, meeting space..... are often integrated into my reflections during my ideation process.
Do you use ancient techniques?
At the moment no, but it could happen.
Describe your work in 3 words
Rhythm, line, contemplation.
Which work of art would you choose to accompany you throughout your life?
Nature.
A piece of furniture / a design object that makes you dream?
One of Jean Guillaume de Mathiaut's stools .
A favourite colour?
Black, to stay as close as possible to the drawing, the pencil stroke...
What are your artistic projects for the coming months?
Several sculpture projects are in the making, new collaborations and explorations of new materials.
