Straw marquetry from ancient rye
Valérie Colas des Francs creates marquetry from straw from ancient non-modified seeds: the rye is traditionally grown in Burgundy without pesticides.
Cereal grower from one generation to the next, the producer uses a product from nature based on sea algae as a pesticide: his straw must be chemicals free, because it is used by repairers of rush seats or for roofing, especially for hives housing bee colonies. The straw is tinted by the cereal grower and the waste water treatment is made by a professional.
Developed in the 18th century, straw embossing is the art of giving non-deformable relief to the straw: Valérie Colas des Francs has developed her own hand-made technique when shaping straw. She uses a no solvent containing glue, and banishes varnishes and finishes.
"Through working straw, I've learned the philosophy is simplicity and getting back-to-basics." She educates interns from the Ecole de St-Quentin or the Ecole Boulle amongst others, selected on their motivation and interest in the training.
Photos © Julien Cresp
Wednesday 5 April 2023, 09:54
