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Can you introduce yourself in a few words?
I am a sculptor, but the common thread that runs through all my activities is undoubtedly creativity, pleasure, and freedom—values that have guided me throughout my professional and personal experiences.
Although I initially studied agronomy and then worked in socio-educational facilitation, one decisive moment was meeting a sculptor back in 1990, with whom I trained extensively.
This passion never left me, and I soon set up my workshop in the heart of the Jura region, where I come from. This natural environment gives me the close connection with Nature that I need to live and create. Direct carving in wood is at the core of my practice, and most of my works are inspired by my perception of my relationship with Nature.
The name of my workshop, “La Grande Ourse” (The Big Dipper), reflects my love of sleeping under the stars and of naturalist observation, which has led me to travel across many countries.
I do admit, however, that the main drawback of the Jura is its distance from the sea and from sailboats—my other great passion.
Teaching is another key area of interest for me. From the very beginning of my career, I set up workshops and training sessions open to everyone, beginners and experienced practitioners alike. Several hundred participants have since passed through my workshop to discover sculpture and visual arts.
Twelve years ago, I also trained in creativity at Paris Descartes University.
My experience as a business owner—I founded and managed an agrotourism company for 17 years—now allows me to work as a consultant and facilitator with companies, craftspeople, groups, or individuals who wish to develop their creativity and innovative projects.
Creating for myself… teaching sculpture, drawing, and creativity… and supporting creative and innovative projects… “Giving form and setting things in motion”—that’s the profession I have built for myself.
What is your story with L’Établisienne?
It was a sculptor and ceramic artist friend, Natalie Van Belle, with whom I lead right-brain drawing workshops in Paris, who discovered this place. I was looking to develop drawing workshops outside my own studio. We met Laurence, explained our approach, and tested a first discovery workshop. This atypical place, smelling of wood and craftsmanship and open to everyone, immediately won us over. While I love nature, returning to Paris—where I did part of my studies—for a few days is also a real pleasure.
What do you do there?
I lead a wood sculpture workshop, more specifically an introduction to bas-relief and direct wood carving. Over two days, each participant can create a personal project, learn the fundamentals of the technique, and become familiar with the tools (mallets, chisels, gouges, and burins).
In collaboration with Natalie Van Belle, I also run drawing workshops based on the so-called right-brain method. Most people draw poorly because they don’t truly use their gaze—they draw what they know rather than what they see. Helping people develop and enrich their way of seeing, and enabling them to produce their first accurate sketches, is an immense pleasure every time.
Bonus questions 🙂 ?
What is:
Your favorite material?
Without hesitation: wood. Mysterious affinities connect me to this material. Today more than ever, its ecological qualities—being local, renewable, and waste-free—place it at the heart of contemporary concerns.
Your favorite tool?
Creativity itself… and gesture, regardless of the tool. Gesture is creative, and I have deep respect for those who unite thought with mastery of the hands.
Your favorite gesture?
Caressing the wood and feeling its grain and texture. Sculpture is also a matter of sensuality!
Benoit's Benoît Jaillet