Aurélien Veyrat

Multimedia sculptor

©Benjamin Helle

Championing the artistic value of bricks

Aurélien makes sculptures, furniture and one-of-a-kind installations
He works with discarded bricks, combined with other materials such as glass and plaster
Experimentation, research and upcycling are central to his approach

Aurélien Veyrat, a cabinetmaker by training, developed his creative skills by taking up further studies in design and decorative arts. He opened his studio in 2007, and has since collaborated on prestigious projects with Mobilier National and Jean Nouvel. His interest in the endless possibilities of making, along with his inventiveness and research led him to specialise in producing sculptures and installations. Aurélien found in bricks the material he was looking for. "Thanks to bricks, I can bring my vision to life, and create a bridge between past and present, made from earth, but on an industrial scale," he explains. Today, he works with discarded materials above all, as they are available to be transformed and given new life, reflecting his ethos around circularity and sustainability in craftsmanship.

Interview

©Benjamin Helle

©Benjamin Helle

How would you describe your sculptural work?: My process is all about experimentation. I consider every piece as a new opportunity to be creative, and as a challenge. I am driven by instinct and confidence, and apply ingenuity, hard work, and trial and error.
Why did you choose to work with bricks?: It happened almost by chance. I purchased a batch of bricks in a second-hand shop. They were all different in shape and colour, and I was attracted by how unique each of them was. I started to think about how I could give them a second life.
What drives your creative flow?: My background is in cabinetmaking. Creating is powerful and makes me feel good. Materials fascinate me, and from the minute I touch and handle them, I feel a special connection. I do love this physical contact and it inspires me to design, and then sculpt.
How important is circularity of materials to you?: It is an essential aspect of my aesthetic. I only use materials that have already undergone a manufacturing process. I do not like waste, and I also never discard the bricks or shards. I classify and collect them instead, ready for a new creation.

Aurélien Veyrat is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2007