Sculpting calligraphy: making poiesis visible
« Words are my. material says Valentine Herrenschmidt, whose ten-year career as an actress was the first step in her passion before giving form to these very words. This artist-craftsman, trained at the Haute École de Joaillerie in Paris, sculpts letters by hand in a round and distinctive calligraphy. Yes, the letter: in all its forms and using wire. The letter, treated with delicacy and careful attention to the choice of wire... Sometimes very large and made of golden brass to evoke Gandhi's "free smile," other times black and condensed to represent the writing of... Recherche du Temps Perdu which she worked on as a wall installation, creating the first and last pages of Proust's monumental novel...
Calligraphing metal wire: the evocative power of words
Like Apollinaire's calligrams, Valentine Herrenschmidt's words float in space and on walls: they draw what they express and invite contemplation. For if a picture is worth a thousand words, the image of a word carries a rare evocative power. Emotions, memories, and smiles are summoned when reading Valentine’s curved writings, which she twists, bends, and shapes before your eyes, like a skilled jeweler, with disarming speed. A great strength and poetry emanate from the artist’s calligraphed sculptures. The words she sculpts in metal wire become visual, positive mantras that accompany and uplift you.
Calligraphing wire: The art of turning words into "jewels"
Sometimes framed in entomology cases, these small words, pinned like tiny insects to be observed, are endlessly gazed at. They are gifted to loved ones as a reminder of the words we want to say again, or of those that once left a lasting impression.
Magnified and illuminated, they invite both literary journeys and simple acts of attention. From the most profound quotation to a simple name, Valentine's delicate and caring sculptures pay tribute to words, which, when carefully chosen, remain the most beautiful jewels to give.
