CYNTHIA TONNERRE

CH.89: If you were to categorize or describe the style of your artwork, what would it be and why?

CT: I have an interdisciplinary approach, balanced between art and design. Fascinated by the history of objects in daily life, my work is based on research and experimentation where I explore the origins of objects and rituals of everyday life. Coupled with a will to understand the manufacturing process, paying attention to materials, industrial and craft techniques around a common innovative approach.

CH.89: Where do you draw your inspiration from?

CT: I draw inspiration from everyday life, from little things I seize in literature, from inspiring people I meet, petty actions and stories of daily life I discover, and through nature and landscape that I explore.

CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about what your creative thought process is like when starting a new project/ piece of artwork?

CT: Every work is based on a particular story or meeting that I explore through a research and experiment process, using different tools and approaches, from reading to sketching, or photography and recording sounds….The question of the material is very important also.

CH.89: Is there anything in particular that you would want people to take from your artwork?

CT: To pay attention. To look around, to listen, to see, how things look through different points of view. It’s not a question of seeking for new things, but it’s more about having new eyes.

CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about your lifestyle as an artist and what that is like?

CT: My life has been quite busy, working as a web designer, teaching fine arts for kids and working on my own work, with museum and exhibition and setting up my new workshop. There are a lots of things to do, it’s not always easy, but it is worth it !

tumblr_nlclc46t8z1sgiybbo5_1280CH.89: When starting out an artistic task, do you think it is better to have a particular direction/set plan guiding your way? Or, is it better to act on impulse and go from there?

CT: I have my own working method that guides the beginning of my projects, establishes a framework, and then I let myself be guided by encounters, discoveries, happy accidents.

CH.89: What is one major lesson you’ve learned as an artist thus far?

CT: Being patient and find the time, follow your gut ! Positive thinking is the key.

CH.89: Do you regard personal style & taste to be of highest importance?

CT: Maybe not the highest importance but it’s a personal bias. I personally focus on simplicity.

CH.89: What do you consider to be the hardest thing about being an artist?

CT: Living from day to day, some day you exhibit in a famous museum, and the day after you don’t know what will happen tomorrow. It’s a different lifestyle, it’s hard sometimes not being able to switch off!

CH.89: What is one thing you love about being an artist?

CT: To explore, to discover and rediscover things, and to share it. To seize the day.

CH.89: Is there anyone in particular, any artist’s that inspire you in any way?

CT: Just to name a few inspiring people, Chris Marker, Alvar Aalto, Sori Yanagi, John Maeda….

CH.89: What do you think of technology in terms of being a useful tool for artists today?

CT: As you said, it’s a useful tool !

CH.89: Do you think being an artist allows you to view the world differently from those who don’t follow creative paths?

CT: Of course, it depends on everyones sensitivity, but being creative allows you to see the world from another point of view with another language and tools to express yourself.

CH.89: Do you enjoy traveling? If so, do you have a favorite city?

CT: Yes, I like to travel a lot, to explore and discover new places. My last travel crush was Edinburgh in Scotland !

CH.89: Do you have a favorite author or book?

CT: In Praise of Shadows, by Junichiro Tanizaki.

CH.89: Any future goals or plans for your artwork?

CT: Next plan, after China, and France, it’s to go to Korea to continue to explore traditional ceramics with a contemporary and innovative approach.

CH.89: What does being an artist mean to you?

CT: To create experiences and to share it !

CH.89: Any last words on the aesthetic of your artwork?

CT: Breathe in and contemplate !

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