Material Integrity with Clémence Birot
people • artist
Clémence Birot is a Paris-based designer known for her minimalist and material-conscious approach to design. Her work blends craftsmanship and sustainability, with a particular emphasis on ecological responsibility.
INSTAGRAM: @clemence_birot
Words: designeers
october 2024
DESIGNEERS
Could you please give us a quick introduction?
CLÉMENCE BIROT
When I started my career in Copenhagen, Denmark, I discovered a design practice closely related to craftsmanship. The latter plays an avant-garde role. Motivated by a free artistic practice and enriched by its know-how, it dictates the exploratory and innovative dynamic in the design process. Thus in the design studios I worked for, I frequently collaborated with artisans for the product development (tableware, interior accessories). Their know-how led me to the constant research of a unique result where the material is respected and despite technical challenges always in focus. The material itself occupies this central place throughout all the project.
Back in France, I hold on to this collaborative approach with craftsmen, whether for the initial phases of creation or for bespoke pieces production. At a time of mass production, the product origin is often vague, far from our territories and our values.
Today, I wish to go further in this process of enhancing hand intelligence and unique know-how, while producing ethically and locally. In this spirit I develop a range of objects in small series, with clean shapes, through which I claim this attachment to natural and sustainable materials, a timeless design far from industrial standard.
All these objects are manufactured in France or in Europe, as close as possible to the places of the raw materials production, by craftsmen with outstanding know-how.
DESIGNEERS
Describe what you create:
CLÉMENCE BIROT
“Less is more” is easier said than done. I didn't invent the circle or the sphere, everything has already been done! Sometimes it is the material that will challenge or constrain us sometimes the function but in all cases it requires a lot of researches and in very varied fields (art, architecture, artisanal know-how, nature , cooking, etc.) Transposing ideas, comparing references allows you to be creative and imagine new projects. Then comes the phase of simplification of the drawing, we rough it up, we refine it to get to the essential, to support our point as best as possible. Thus we come to renew these obvious forms, by twisting them, by moving them from their initial context so that they remain familiar to us but unexpected in a new environment.
Attachment and material integrity:
I believe in the sustainability of natural or at least minimally processed materials. When we look at architecture: glass, stone, earth, metal or wood often age better than “ultra-processed” materials like concrete or plastic. I like materials that tan over time, wood that turns gray, copper becoming blue, the beauty of patina and corrosion. So I try to work with materials while maintaining a raw appearance. As if to signify their origins. The use of objects also leaves its own marks over time, those of memories, which gives it its sentimental value. An object is transmitted because it can cross the ages (in terms of use or style) but also because it can show the times it passed through without being deteriorated too much.
DESIGNEERS
Can you tell us a little about your latest collection, and what is the inspiration behind it?
CLÉMENCE BIROT
This new collection is a celebration of the craft and the color. All the collection could have been made in a more industrial way, each of the pieces would have been identical, standardized, but craftsmanship is more economically suited to small series production like mine. This also produces small variations in thickness, color or texture, the print of the artisan in short, which gives all its uniqueness and character to the piece.
In the realm of contemporary design, few hues capture the imagination quite like cobalt blue – a color that’s as deep as the ocean and as expansive as the sky. This color takes center stage in my latest collection. With a focus on cobalt blue, I try to offer a refreshing narrative in the design world, one that champions craftsmanship and sustainable practices.
DESIGNEERS
What challenges have you faced recreating classic furniture? Have there been any mistakes that led to positive outcomes?
clémence birot
I really love the Astra Mirrors but I met so many difficulties to produce the Geta porcelain that they became special to me. Geta porcelain is a profound exploration of simplicity and functionality, echoing the minimalist spirit of Japanese Geta sandals. These pieces, standing on two delicate feet, showcase a dedication to preserving the purity of form while highlighting the stunning cobalt blue glaze in contrast with the porcelain bisque.
“In the realm of contemporary design, few hues capture the imagination quite like cobalt blue – a color that’s as deep as the ocean and as expansive as the sky.”
clémence birot
DESIGNEERS
Tell us about one thing that’s inspiring you lately and why:
CLÉMENCE BIROT
Every thing in nature is a contemplation source, it’s never the same, always fascinating and inspiring. The light and the water reflections, the stone patterns, the tormented sky when storm comes… Lately I’ve drawn some tableware inspired by misty landscapes.
DESIGNEERS
What are some of your methods to staying motivated, focused and expressive?
CLÉMENCE BIROT
I’m afraid of getting bored so I try to diversify as much as possible my projects and collaborations. Beside my collection I often collaborate with design agencies or interior designers. That gives me the opportunity to work on a different scale and with a wide variety of people ( architects, craftsmen, graphic designers, illustrators…) All this diversity is refreshing and essential for me and my work.
DESIGNEERS
What’s the best mistake you have ever made?
CLÉMENCE BIROT
Choosing the unsecured way of self-employment maybe. It’s not always easy but I feel I can better respect my needs in term of rythmes and versatilities in the projects.
DESIGNEERS
Favourite hotel in the world:
CLÉMENCE BIROT
Au petit Thouars. It’s a guesthouse from the 19th period century in the area where I grew up, in the west part of France. The two owners have restored and furnished it with agood balance between tradition and contemporary design. And their garden offers a stunning view on the Thouey valley and the castle.
DESIGNEERS
A gallery or museum that inspires you?
CLÉMENCE BIROT
The MAD (musée des arts décoratifs) in Paris. Their exhibitions are diverse, highly specific and very immersive. A unique exploration of the different design fields.
DESIGNEERS
Design hero:
clémence birot
Charlotte Perriand. As a woman she paved and lead the way for all of us in the design field. She was free, independent and had a humanist approach of the applied art. Her commitments on finding beauty in the functionality, being openminded on other cultures and craftsmanships is still inspiring us nowadays.
Designer Showroom
Discover designs by Clémence Birot
