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BIOGRAPHY
In the mid-90’s Hélène was a journalist in Paris – not an art-writer. She loved all that is textile art & craft, and was especially impressed by the giant tapestries that were woven – and still are – in the French workshops of Gobelins, Beauvais and Aubusson. She saw many of them hanging in official government buildings of the French Republique. One day, she discovered that one could learn contemporary tapestry through an affordable program sponsored by the City of Paris. She signed-up for a summer class, then night classes during the following years. When she moved to the US, it took her some time to discover that many artists there also practiced this textile art. She now weaves alternatively in her two studios, in France and North Carolina, and lectures on tapestry to popularise this textile craft.
Artist Statement
I like the amazing feeling of owning a rare technique, contributing to its perpetuation in a world where this kind of manual work is almost lost.
I like the long time it takes to create a tapestry, between two and six months.
I like that the work never progresses more than a few inches a day, even if you work eight straight hours.
I like people to be amazed by the texture and sensuality of my wall hangings and textile sculptures.
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Making Rastalion
Tapestry Weavers South 