Christmas Ornament - Trees and Butterflies

This is a one-of-a-kind hand-painted Limoges porcelain Christmas ornament with 18 k gold, lustre, and oxides, with each colour kiln-fired independently. 

ARTIST STATEMENT  - As an artist, I am exploring the media of drawing and painting as well as the art of firing to create useful and decorative high-end pieces of art. I’m passionate about the art of porcelain painting that allows me to experiment with techniques such as classical, modern and Scandinavian, and with different mediums such as metallic oxides, lusters, reliefs, precious metals and oils to create my own experience and expression of the entirely hand-painted décor.

I work on Limoges porcelain. This is my favourite “canvas”. The whiteness, translucence and delicacy of this fine china allow me to favour great transparencies in my work.  Also, the diversity of shapes and designs feeds my imagination and satisfies my taste for decorative arts.

My works are revealed whimsical, abstract or figurative, as I vary between realism and surrealism (more dreamlike). Colour plays a key role in my creations. This can be an explosion of bright, vivid and contrasting colours, or a harmony of soft, vibrant and elegant ones.

I find inspiration in the memories of my childhood on the Islands of St. Pierre & Miquelon, and also in places that I discover every day.  I am also inspired by the imaginary and magical world of childhood and therefore, by my own children. Finally, the shape of the porcelain piece and the materials used (pigment, glaze, precious metals) are also a source of inspiration and can influence the composition of my creations and the entire décor.

My designs are a reflection of my past life on the islands, my emotions at the time and my own imagination!  I love reinventing these images and objects, playing with colours and making my creations free, modern, and whimsical, as my personal vision of contemporary art for useful and decorative art objects.

I want my creations to travel around the world. Whether they honour the finest tables or simply give pleasure to the one who drinks his coffee (or tea), they embellish all interiors. This is how they LIVE, by giving pleasure to the person who owns, receives or gives them! It pleases me to think that the story continues with those who have one of my creations.

Isabelle Lafargue