How are you experiencing the lockdown?
When the lockdown was announced in St. Barth, I must admit I was very worried for our island. It was the first island in the Caribbean to be affected, and its hospital unfortunately lacked the sufficient resources to treat severe cases. Fortunately, we seem to have been spared the worst, thanks to the common sense of the population and their adherence to the imposed rules. At home, I take care of my goats and chickens, feed the iguanas, and plant vegetables in pots. I also started playing the guitar again... and of course, I've been thinking about new creations. With the help of my six-year-old son, we even built a treehouse. So, we are lucky during this difficult period.
What is your state of mind?
I try to stay positive, even though deep down I remain worried about the consequences this crisis will bring. It makes us realize how fragile humans are and how dependent they are on the current system. I don't want to leave this legacy to my children. Knowing how to grow a potato, understanding the life of plants and animals, and the importance of each presence in the natural balance. Then looking up at the sky at night. All of this sounds a bit like a hermit, but let's remember that we only have one planet.
Has this lockdown experience had an impact on your artistic approach?
I admit that I had already started to become more committed to the message of my works. The octopus with its gas mask that I created last year is a first example of this. I am also working with my last stock of recycled pieces due to the lockdown, which has led me to rework my supports and bases differently, and to use materials that were initially difficult to integrate.
Are you practicing during the lockdown? If so, can you tell us about your new works?
I started a new piece a few months ago, on the theme of heritage. It's a piece with many messages, and I would be really interested to know everyone's interpretation. The overall vision of the piece already conveys a first message. Then, if you look closer, each element has its own. You can find a frightening aspect that I wanted to embrace, influenced by what the world is currently experiencing. I still have several days of work to finalize it. But here are a few preview photos:
