Artistic Philosophy
Laurent Nicolas creates a captivating blend of ceramics and a variety of materials such as leather, wood, glass, metal, cork, and felt in his artwork.
This inventive combination reflects his desire to delve into the connections among diverse elements, offering a fresh perspective on life and the natural world.
One of Nicolas’s central interests is the concept of symbiosis—the mutually beneficial relationship found in nature.
He skillfully incorporates this idea into his art, using external materials as “graft supports” that elevate the inherent qualities of his ceramic forms.
Cultural Significance
A striking embodiment of his philosophy is found in his modern interpretation of the simple stool.
This everyday object, recognized across cultures, signifies the bond between humans and nature in Nicolas’s oeuvre.
Often inspired by nature itself, his stool designs echo shapes from the environment—think stumps and stones.
Historically, stools have been associated with authority, making them significant in a cultural context.
Nicolas’s artistic vision bridges the past with contemporary thought, prompting contemplation about our connection to the natural world.
Exploration of Nature
Nicolas is also captivated by the mysterious world of mushrooms, which are known for their nourishing, healing, and sometimes toxic qualities.
His latest series immerses viewers in the field of mycology, revealing how fungi play a pivotal role in ecosystems.
Mushrooms act as powerful symbols of symbiosis, nurturing ties between trees and enriching the soil.
Additionally, they are integral to various spiritual practices, reflecting their importance across different cultures and times.
Through his exploration of deep themes like interconnectedness, hybridization, and symbiosis, Laurent Nicolas imbues his creations with profound significance.
The fusion of ceramics and various materials, coupled with the incorporation of rope as a cohesive element, highlights his artistic intentions.
Drawing from a wide array of influences, he celebrates the dynamic relationships between people, nature, and their environments.
Each artwork serves as an invitation for us to reconsider our connections to the world around us, inspiring a vision of harmony and sustainable coexistence.
- Syzygospora, 2024: Made from stoneware, glaze, rope, and a wooden stool featuring burnt wood accents.
Dimensions: 96 x 49 x 43 cm.
Photo by Anthony Girardi.
- Tramète, 2023: Combining stoneware, glaze, rope, and burnt wood.
Dimensions: 77 x 37 x 34 cm.
Photo by Anthony Girardi.
- Trans-Prototaxite, 2024: Showcasing stoneware, glaze, rope, wood, cork, and leather layered on stoneware.
Dimensions: 189 x 50 x 40 cm.
Photo by Anthony Girardi.
- Chaga, 2024: Constructed with stoneware, glaze, rope, burnt wood, and plant materials.
Dimensions: 95 x 51 x 50 cm.
Photo by Anthony Girardi.
- Chondostreum, 2024: Composed of stoneware, glaze, and rope.
Dimensions: 105 x 46 x 35 cm.
Photo by Anthony Girardi.
- Amadouvier, 2022: Created using terracotta, stoneware, porcelain, glaze, felt, and rope.
Dimensions: 69 x 47 x 36 cm.
- Ramaria, 2023: Built from stoneware, glaze, burnt cork, and rope.
Dimensions: 82 x 42 x 35 cm.
- Clathre, 2022: Merging stoneware, porcelain, glaze, wood, and rope.
Dimensions: 57 x 47 x 27 cm.
- Cordyceps, 2023: Crafted from stoneware, glaze, rope, terracotta, bamboo, and burnt cork.
Dimensions: 69 x 50 x 42 cm.
- Guénépie, 2022: Made from stoneware, porcelain, and glaze, measuring 72 x 29 x 28 cm.
- Inonotus, 2023: Featuring stoneware, glaze, wood, sheepskin, and rope.
Dimensions: 62 x 44 x 30 cm.
- Monologue 3, 2021: Constructed from stoneware, glaze, rope, leather, wood, and felt.
Dimensions: 36 x 24 x 28 cm.
Photo by Anthony Girardi.
- Nexum, 2022: Using stoneware, glaze, rope, cork, and leather on stoneware.
Dimensions: 32 x 37 x 27 cm.
Photo by Anthony Girardi.
- Xanthoria – Table and Stools, 2024: Incorporating stoneware, rope, and cork.
Table dimensions: 35 x 97 x 74 cm; Stools: 62 x 50 x 50 cm and 37 x 50 x 50 cm.
Photo by Anthony Girardi.
Source: Ceramicsnow