When you were at school, did you have a clear idea of what you wanted to do when you left?
From as long as I can remember, I knew that I wanted to « draw and paint » because it felt like a flame inside to do just that. It still does.
When I left Mary Erskine, school time was not over as I had yet to pass my French Baccalauréat but MES gave me the confidence and confirmation to follow an artistic path, even though I did not know clearly which form it would take.
Did any of your teachers help or inspire your plans?
Yes, definitely yes. Help was very generously given by most of the teachers. As a native French speaker I had to adapt to full time Scottish thinking/writing/speaking all day long. It was a challenging moment, everything was different at school for me, I was different – being French was a challenge in itself.
I can say nearly everyone was very understanding. I remember receiving some extra help after class, for physics of course and maths, in a very kind and patient way. This is not what occurred commonly in schools in France.
Inspiration was given by Miss Arneil, my art teacher at the time, she was incredible.
I owe her so much. I still vividly remember how she showed me watercolours by painting a “wee house” as she called it during her demonstration. I guess this is the moment when everything became real for me. Educational transmission at its best on all levels.
When did you decide you wanted to become an artist? Was it a straight career path or did you have to supplement your income with other roles when you were starting out?
I am not sure how to answer this question because for me being an artist is something you are as a human being. It requires to work a lot, but it does not feel like work, it feels good, and you can’t help it.
Fortunately, throughout time, I was lucky to meet outstanding people who made it become real.
Every career path is unique, I did not set a planned-out career path, although I wanted to learn in the best French art schools. Looking back, it could signify ambition, but I felt like a strong urge to learn as much as possible in the best environment possible. I also very strongly enjoyed the History of Arts degree course, although it did not include art practice. My official artist activity began 30 years ago, it looks more like a path of discovery along the way, learning, great experiences, nothing planned in advance.
I did have to supplement my income in my early years by other roles. It was a necessity during my art school period. You learn a lot, gain strength and the necessary stability before you trust yourself enough to live from your art.
How did you get into design work for such prestigious companies?
This is a question that comes up every time. All I can say now is that it happened without ever having had any prestigious companies in mind, just wanting to draw and paint. It was made possible by meeting the people I would consider my unofficial mentors now.
During my art school period, we had an incredible drawing class with a wonderful teacher, on a weekly basis. It took place in different locations in Paris such as the Jardin des Plantes, Musée d’Anatomie Comparée, Zoo de Vincennes, on a boat that went on the Canal Saint Martin from Bastille to La Vilette… Paris is a beautiful city, second after Edinburgh needless to say.
We had drawing sessions at the Opéra de Paris-Palais Garnier and Bastille. I fell completely in love with Palais Garnier and ballet work there. I drew and drew and drew with so much intensity.
My art school teacher organised an exhibition at the Bibliothèque Musée de l’Opéra de Paris displaying 4 or 5 years of student drawings at the Palais Garnier and Bastille.
I was asked to hand in a very small notebook I had made with the paper I loved painting on. Inside were even smaller watercolours done while exploring the Palais Garnier. Of course it was Miss Arneil who taught me how to use watercolour.
These watercolours were noticed by Martine Kahane (general curator of libraries, she is an exhibition curator, author and speaker), from the Opéra de Paris. And it all started from there…
What is your day-to-day like?
To be honest, it is difficult to describe.
For me, “work” does not feel like a day-to-day activity, like most jobs are. I am my own boss so to speak, working for demanding clients or developing my personal art. It requires absolute discipline. I try to do my very best. Even though my day sometimes looks like (structured) chaos, thankfully nobody knows except me or my close family.
I also very much enjoy teaching art on a part time basis during the academic period, as well as for specific workshops at the Mobilier National – Manufactures des Tapis et Tapisseries, in Paris and on their different production sites in France. It is a state institution founded in the 17th century, belonging to the Ministère de la Culture. It is “l’excellence des savoir-faire des métiers d’art”. It combines everything I cherish. Another big “wow” experience I feel very grateful to live and share with art students along with confirmed professionals who work in the ateliers.
This role has a different day-to-day structure, not like my artist work, as you can imagine.
In a way, with both, I feel like I am working all the time 24/7 because my art-oriented brain cannot switch off.
You use the phrase ‘art brings joy’ How important is it to you to find that level of enjoyment in a career?
For me, that level of enjoyment in a career is highly important, I feel so lucky to live it that way. I could not have had the energy to do it if it was otherwise. “Art brings joy” is what I have experienced for myself and when shared with others.
You have worked with some of the best-known luxury brands in the world, how does it feel to see someone wearing one of your designs?
I feel a truly special interior smile inside my heart when I experience this.
Throughout your career, you must have met many interesting and well known people. Does anyone stand out as giving you a ‘starstruck’ moment?
I am extremely grateful to have had the chance to meet, work with and learn so much from genuinely incredible people. It would be difficult for me to say which person in particular stands out the most.
They all stand out in their own brilliant way. Names here will not be disclosed, as it is a very discreet environment…
There were so many starstruck moments, still are, but I would not relate this word with one particular person, as big status or fame is not a criteria even if it exists. The moment and the setting is just as important. I feel the very human aspect of it all, their humility mostly, their passion, their generosity, their great intelligence or talent or even huge sense of humour.
Shared moments I will never forget, for sure.
What have you liked the most about your career so far?
Nearly everything, except, of course, the administrative part.
The discovery, the never-ending learning, the achievements, the fulfilment, meeting great people, witnessing unique moments, giving back through the opportunity of teaching is also a great experience. But I think the main aspect I enjoy is the materialization of emotions and ideas into real life projects, along with sharing moments with people.
What do you feel is your greatest achievement?
I feel happy after having accomplished a project.
Ideas, emotions, shared goals come to exist in real life and this is awesome.
I cannot say which would be my greatest one. Although some were more emotionally rewarding than others for different reasons, I just feel very grateful for what has been achieved, not achieved as well, and what is yet to come.
What advice would you like to give to current pupils when they are considering their future?
This advice comes from an artists’ mind, it might not apply to domains in which I completely lack knowledge.
Keep an open mind, be curious. Learn as much as you can, always, because things will change as much as you will change and evolve. Finding out what does not resonate with you is just as important as discovering what you love doing, because overall you are good at what you love doing.
Competition is everywhere, so enjoy working hard and go for it, whatever it be. Future holds great good surprises and opportunities, if you are willing to tune in with them and act accordingly. Also, try to learn languages other than English. It helps a lot, not only for business but just for being able to approach things with a different mindset.
Education followed by the environment counts a lot, receiving support and advice whilst listening actively, meeting the right people that can give you the push needed if you are ready for it. MES was for me one of the best environment. I am sure that it still would be nowadays, as I have discovered the schools’ vision with the three pillars of ambition, innovation, community. Taking care of pupils with this approach will help them tremendously.
In French we say “Tous les chemins mènent à Rome”, meaning that there are many paths to get to where you want to or would like to be. But the nuance is that, as Martine Kahane once told me: acknowledging the beauty of the path is what makes it interesting.
Tell us your favourite memory of your time at school
So many vivid memories! It is not easy to stick to only one. Even the not so very favourite ones count as good ones.
Here is what comes to mind today:
Sharing time with Angela, Gill, Eve, Astrid, Beth… the best friends I could ever meet at that period.
Miss Arneil of course, meeting her shaped my life for the best.
Meeting the Principal Mr Morgan in his office was very, very impressive.
Discovering Shakespeare, Jane Austen, the Scottish accent.
Attending French class, I think it was with Mr Mackenzie? He was so patient with me, as I felt like a young alien speaking a difficult language in class.
Discovering the cafeterias’ sausage rolls, mince pies, baked beans, salt & vinegar crisps and that was just about it, but not so sure it was my favourite memory ? I love thinking about this today.
The school was and still is beautiful, in a beautiful city, it is important to acknowledge this because it contributes to well-being.
There would be so much to say, yet I would like to thank the Mary Erskine School for everything it has given me, as it helped me build positive foundations in my professional path. Thank you Angela Alexander for reaching out in such a warm hearted way after all those years. It feels great. Merci du fond du cœur !
I wish all the best to everyone. Teachers and staff for their dedication to keep this incredible school up to high standards. Also warm wishes to the pupils, for them to live the greatest of times at MES, followed by success and happiness in their career path.
