Anouchka Potdevin is particularly interested in the 8-ring, a choice inspired by the creation of her first cage seat in 2012. This human-scale model is structured by 40 8 mm round steel bars, reminiscent of a birdcage. Since then, she has designed dozens of similar models, each integrating ten one-meter bars, set aside to form an opening.
True to her recycling approach, the designer does not throw anything away; working with scraps is a practice that has inspired her for thirty years. For her, the round (as distinct from the tube, hollow by nature) becomes a line, a stroke allowing to draw in volume. Supple and malleable, the 8-ring is thick enough to offer solidity while remaining flexible enough to be cold-bent, without the use of heat. This shaping, although discreet, remains accessible while requiring a certain mastery.
All she has to do is think, design and draw, letting the line express itself freely to give life to furniture, objects or even decorations.
At the end of the training, the trainee will be able to:
If the reuse of materials is at the heart of Anouchka Potdevin's concerns, she wants to pass it on as much as her know-how and her concern for doing well.
During this training at Campus MaNa, the metal artist-designer suggests using a stock of scraps in a circle of 8 to create a collective work, as well as an object created individually by each participant.
Morning
Presentation of the speaker with illustration of the achievements.
Round table: presentation and expectations of the learners.
Discussion on the objectives: leads and research on the design and feasibility of the project to be carried out for each.
Afternoon
Presentation of the circle of 8 in different metals: tests and behavior of each material.
Understanding the characteristics: confirmation of the design paths envisaged in the morning, in the form of decorative elements, sculpture, object, structure, etc.
Morning
Time to think about the chosen design: knowing how to present your design in the form of a 1:1 scale drawing.
Drafted in chalk on tracing paper, Craft, cardboard, etc.
Afternoon
Getting to grips with the material in the workshop.
Production of personal pieces in the workshop: development and production of templates, cutting, bending, volume control on the drawing, welding, grinding, filing, finishing.
Morning
Finishing of projects if necessary
Presentation of each project and discussion: what can be learned from the time spent working? Quality of the expected result? Satisfaction of each person with their production and possible openings?
Afternoon
Workshop tidying up and grouping of material scraps; time for discussion and feedback on the training.
Following a traditional curriculum, her evening classes at the Beaux-Arts in Rennes revived her interest in metal and art nouveau. She did an internship with a compagnon du devoir in Rennes.
Subsequently trained in Applied Arts and metalwork, she moved away from her previous work focused on recovery, reuse and recycling. By exploring the symbolism of the birdcage, she offers modular and original pieces. Each project is unique and often the result of specific orders, integrating the history of second-hand furniture into its reinterpretation. Anouchka added a personal touch while preserving the traces of time.
In 2012, her creative passion accelerated with the order of a suspended seat. This inspired her to create a human-sized birdcage, which was a great success when it was presented in Paris in 2013, appearing on the cover of decoration magazines.
This artisanal piece, made in Brittany, is coveted by luxury boutiques, hotels and events, and was used in the filming of Hunger Games. Recent models have been sent to Saudi Arabia, Australia, Poland and other countries.
After a collaboration with Maryse Dubois, her creations spread internationally, notably in the windows of Guerlain and at the Michelin-starred restaurant Racines in Rennes. Her works are highly prized by brands such as Moët & Chandon, Le Bon Marché and L’Oréal, and are regularly selected by trend agencies such as Nelly Rodi and Elisabeth Leriche.
Price(s) including the cost of training, accommodation and full board, materials and personal protective equipment.