Skip to main content
“To create is to make a changing state tangible.”
Navigating the Creative Process: Clay, Stone, and Abstract Forms
Ariane Crovisier, a multifaceted artist and sculptor, brings diverse expertise to her work, having spent years as a psychologist before branching out as an art therapist alongside her artistic pursuits. Crovisier’s sensitivity to the complexities and issues that impact individuals informs her creative process. She strives to evoke intense emotions through her art, allowing her pieces to be interpreted like a kaleidoscope of experiences.
Crovisier takes great pride in her belief that each of her creations can resonate with viewers on a personal level, sparking a desire to embrace their own creativity. She is particularly drawn to working with clay as her preferred medium, owing to its malleable and transformative nature. This material invites artists to shape it using their body, breath, and imagination simultaneously, providing an infinite range of possibilities.
Though primarily focused on clay, Crovisier occasionally works with stone, which presents a distinct set of challenges due to its unyielding nature. Unlike clay, sculpting stone demands the use of tools and offers no opportunity to revert changes, resulting in a more physical and deliberate creative process.
Crovisier’s ultimate goal is to produce abstract forms that can be interpreted from multiple perspectives. Her passion for abstract art lies in the sense of wonder and intrigue it can generate, as the forms she creates defy categorization and often lack predetermined shapes or names. Unbound by preconceived notions, she allows her creations to emerge organically, characterized by movement and the interplay between empty and full spaces.
Embracing the Void: How Emptiness and Fullness Shape Ariane’s Art
Ariane Crovisier’s exploration of sculpture is deeply influenced by her fascination with the concepts of emptiness and fullness, as derived from Chinese tradition. The interplay of voids and fullness within her work allows for a dynamic circulation of thought and form, giving life to the intangible. Crovisier masterfully inserts space between elements, crafting a visual language that embodies breath and living emptiness. This active void, filled with tension, reveals the unseen and expresses a personal longing that propels her forward in her artistic journey.
Crovisier’s foray into sculpting began during her art therapy training as a young psychology student. This experience served as her introduction to the world of sculpture, where she discovered an environment in which self-expression came with ease. The newfound freedom she experienced diverged from the restrictive aesthetic standards she had internalized, which had previously convinced her that art was the exclusive domain of others.
For Crovisier, embracing her identity as an artist represents a bold decision rather than a source of comfort. Her commitment to remaining true to her inner passions and intentions is evident in each of her creations. The artist believes that the unconscious mind is engaged in a dialogue with itself when she invites viewers to observe the forms that dwell within her, eliciting resonance from those who encounter her work.
In Crovisier’s view, the act of creation involves giving tangible form to a perpetually evolving state. Through her innovative approach to sculpture, she expertly captures the dynamic essence of existence itself, offering a unique perspective on the human experience.
The Transformative Power of Sculpture: Ariane’s Personal Journey
The artistic journey of Ariane Crovisier is a testament to the transformative power of creativity. Over several years, she honed her skills in sculpture through participation in numerous collective workshops before ultimately deciding to exhibit and sell her work. Gaining recognition in the art world is a gradual process, and Crovisier’s experience is no exception.
Following a series of challenging life events and personal losses, Crovisier felt compelled to suspend her career as a psychologist. It was during this period that she discovered the necessity of sculpture, an essential outlet for expressing her emotions beyond the realm of words.
Sculpting with clay has been a transformative experience for Crovisier. The medium has taught her to be centered, patient, and adaptable. Gradually, she has unleashed her creativity through the countless possibilities offered by this malleable material. Her process is methodical and unhurried, allowing her to form a connection with the clay as she shapes it. Initially, the forms she creates may appear amorphous and unappealing; however, with time and attention, they slowly evolve into something beautiful.
Crovisier’s artistic approach involves the continuous exploration of a sculpture’s volume, pushing the boundaries of the material until it reveals its limitations. While she may strive to achieve certain forms, some prove too complex to be realized in clay. This inherent resistance of the medium ultimately guides her to simplify her designs.
The artist’s role extends beyond the act of creation to the decision of when a piece is complete. For Crovisier, this moment marks the transformation of an object into a work of art, as it becomes something to be shared with an audience. She knows a sculpture is finished when she feels hesitant to alter it further, sensing that it has reached its full potential and no longer requires her intervention. At this point, the work stands independently, ready to be revealed to the world. Resisting her perfectionist tendencies can be a challenge, but Crovisier understands that there comes a time when her sculptures must be allowed to speak for themselves.
Artistic Growth: Inspiration, Advice, and Future Aspirations
Ariane Crovisier thrives in an environment where she is surrounded by fellow individuals who are also engaged in working the land. The presence of these like-minded individuals fuels her creative energy and serves as a catalyst for inspiration. Working within a group setting, Crovisier experiences a heightened sense of creative stimulation that ultimately enhances her artistic output.
To emerging artists, Crovisier emphasizes the importance of recognizing the intrinsic value of one’s own creations, rather than relying solely on external opinions. Passion and dedication to one’s craft should be the primary focus, and artists should strive to remain true to their own vision, irrespective of the level of success they attain. It is crucial for artists to resist conforming to the expectations of others and instead, remain faithful to their creative aspirations.
Crovisier encourages artists to consistently showcase their work, as doing so breathes life into their creations, helping them to evolve and grow. Experimenting with various materials and techniques, as well as observing the work of other artists, can serve as enriching experiences that further one’s artistic development.
Crovisier dreams of obtaining financial support to create a life-size sculpture, an enlarged version of one of her existing works, which could be integrated into public spaces. She envisions her artwork as a place where children can play and where the sculpture’s curves transform into spaces for relaxation, contemplation, and reading. Many of her existing sculptures exhibit an array of setbacks and slides on their curves, making them suitable for such purposes. However, Crovisier acknowledges the challenges related to maintenance, as interactive and habitable artwork may be more susceptible to damage and degradation over time, particularly when situated outdoors.
