ELSA VANIER IS A REVELATOR OF CREATORS

The creators are welcome at the Galerie Elsa Vanier, rue du Pré aux clercs in the 7th arrondissement of Paris. Indeed, Elsa Vanier showcases creators who have chosen «rare, precious or fascinating materials». She opens her doors to us.

Meeting with Elsa Vanier

What is your favorite stone?

I have three of them: the emerald, the tourmaline and the spinel…
I like the soft green of the emerald, I like the tourmaline because it offers a lot of colors, from pink to green, and the paraiba has an incredible blue color.
Finally, the pink-orange bead!

A piece of jewelry that best represents you?

I never go out without earrings.

What does the jewel represent?

The jewel is located between the signature and the final stroke of that signature. It is the element that completes a personality.
That’s something I look at immediately.
Sometimes some women wear jewelry that is risk-free, without any design, far from the image they would like to convey; I wish I could show them «their jewelry.».

Who is a jewelry designer?

This is someone who loves fascinating, enduring, and precious materials that can become captivating.
The jewelry designer chose these precious materials to express something of the intimate, of the emotional bond.
It is a need for him to express himself through creation. He is also touched by the notion of adornment, as it conveys feelings of love and power. The jewelry of jewelry designers is at the very core of the human being. Man has been making and offering jewelry since prehistoric times, patiently drilling a shell and offering it to the one he loves. There was no concept of social status at that time. Humanity has lost some aspects related to jewelry, its symbolism…

What is the most amazing creation you have exhibited?

There are several of them. For example, Marianne Anselin, with this ring made of iron. Iron for a delicate leaf motif.

Also astonishing is Thierry Vendome’s work with rusty steel and gold! I have always loved his creations.

The combination of a poor and precious material touches me very deeply.

How do you select your creators?

Some people come to see me. I receive many files that I review. There has to be something to tell! I take risks. The creators meet their audience; sometimes it takes time. But the most important thing is that there is emotion. I have to feel it first in order to communicate it…

What led you to your passion?

When I was very little, I used to read books about stones; I really enjoyed it, but I think everything changed when I discovered Jean Vendome.
A revelation!
I never imagined that a piece of jewelry could tell a story. Coming from the countryside, for me there were the solitaire, the you and me, the medals and the precious stones. So, that day, after a stroll through Place Vendôme, I stopped in Saint Honoré Street in front of Jean Vendome’s showcases. I saw a fireworks display of colors. The jewelry spoke to me. As time passed, I found that contemporary jewelry designers were not well-represented. I had to do something about it! From 2003 to 2014 I developed the gallery while keeping a foot in finance.

Your favorite work of art?

I really like the artists who paint. For example, Monique Tello, Pincemin, or Viala, who is more well-known. I appreciate the «Surface Support» movement, trying to paint in a different way, going outside the usual supports and pre-established formats.

A music you listen to?

Phil Glass and John Adams.

An exhibition you miss, one you haven’t yet organized?

An exhibition about colored stones. The stone is supposed to be the queen, but in an unexpected way!

Thank you, Elsa, for highlighting the craftsmanship of the creators in your gallery, a place of exchange and wonder where one can discover unique pieces.

Elsa Vanier Gallery
7 rue de l’Odéon 75006 Paris

www.elsa-vanier.fr