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Lyon, France

Manon Bouvier

Atelier Paelis
Straw marquetry maker

Straw of attraction

  • Manon was awarded Meilleur Ouvrier de France in 2016
  • She sources GMO-free straws and is testing out eco-friendly glues
  • Her approach is collaborative, working with artists and designers

A made-up word derived from paille, meaning straw in French, Paelis is an atelier in Lyon dedicated to the craft of marquetry. Founded in 2016 by French craftswoman Manon Bouvier, Paelis has grown into a workshop that focuses on excellence, team work and sustainability. "No piece is achieved alone, I collaborate with carpenters, cabinetmakers and engineers," says Manon. She is actively building a network to overcome challenges and always innovate. Having chanced upon this craft during the mandatory internship of her cabinetmaker training at the prestigious École Boulle in Paris, Manon has developed numerous trust-based partnerships from local producers of straw, contemporary artists to designers working with 3D-printed creations using starch filaments.


Interview

©Samuel Cortes
©Florence Branchard
How do you define what you do?
I cover surfaces with straw and create embellishments. As long as there’s a surface to cover.. something can be done with marquetry.
Which piece makes you most proud?
My most memorable piece remains the one I created for the Meilleur Ouvrier de France award. Focusing for 9 months on a piece in complete isolation was a very demanding exercice.
How do you ensure a sustainable practice?
I believe that we create objects that are meant to last in time. Regarding the raw material, I source straw that grows without any GMO in Jean-Luc Rodot’s farm and I am also testing out eco-friendly glues.
What is little known about your craft?
I would say probably how physical it is. Specific muscles are in constant tension and it gets tiring, especially for the back and the hands. As a team we gather during the day to do stretching exercises. Eye fatigue is also a common condition.
Manon Bouvier is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2014

Where


Manon Bouvier

Address: Address upon request, Lyon, France
Hours: By appointment only
Phone: +33 975569727
Languages: French, English
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