"I am committed to keeping these skills alive, making them exist, sharing them, and passing them on."
MAËVA MARTIN
MAËVA MARTIN
Ornamental Engraver and Jeweler, Vertou (44)
In the artist's studio, metal comes to life in her hands, transformed by the chisel, fire, and patience. Inspired by the minute details of the living world, she shapes pieces that blend sensitivity, rigor, and the transmission of traditional craftsmanship.
From her studies at the École Boulle to her ornamental engraving work, and her reflections on the meaning of creation, her journey reveals a deeply inspired approach.
We invite you to discover her story, her world, and the quiet poetry that permeates each of her gestures.
Tell us your story, how did you find your calling?
For as long as I can remember, I have always been fascinated by intricate, precise, time-consuming work. The high standards required, as well as the diversity of techniques and the sensitivity involved in working with metal and stone, very quickly resonated with me.
I studied Jewelry at the École Boulle in Paris, followed by Lapidary and Gemology (to study and cut stones), between Paris and Saumur.
I have had various enriching experiences, as well as many questions about Meaning, Utility, Impact, and where I fit into all of that!
I have progressed by bringing and sharing creative and manual arts workshops with children with disabilities, autism, and neurodivergent individuals.
In parallel, I learned ornamental engraving, by hand, traditionally, using a burin, scorper, and onglette; the metal shavings are removed one by one through the strength of the wrist.
It is important to me to keep these skills alive, to make them known, to share them, and to pass them on.
And I continue to evolve my approach so that it is as conscious, virtuous, and filled with poetry as possible!
How would you describe your style and your artistic approach in a few words?
I am fascinated by the little details of life, whether they are in a story to be transcribed into an engraving or in the shapes and textures that I can explore and refine.
What themes or subjects inspire you the most in your work?
Nature, including plants and animals, are important themes for me; the elements as well as people's stories inspire me a great deal too.
I enjoy adapting as best I can to all requests, confidences, and details.
How do you work?
Everything is done by hand in my workshop. From the initial sketches and sharpening my chisels to melting down old jewelry and applying the final polish, I do it all with immense passion!
I use recycled metals, ideally those provided by my clients. I am very conscious of my impact and wish for it to be as virtuous and meaningful as possible.
Do you have a particular technique or specific expertise? Without revealing all your secrets, have you developed your own methods and techniques?
I do not claim to be inventing any particular technique; I believe many things have already been invented. However, with the utmost respect and passion, I constantly question myself in order to evolve, continue learning, and add my own personal touch, awareness, and all of my passion to every step.
Tell us about your daily life, your constraints, your joys, your successes…
My daily life takes place in the workshop; everything begins with a story, an emotion to share. Then comes the drawing: pencil and paper, and I draw. Once the ideas are sketched out, or sometimes even directly, I get to work. With a torch in hand, I melt my metal scraps into small ingots, which I roll, saw, pierce, and work to shape. When the material is ready, I engrave, slowly but surely; each stroke of the burin lifts a shaving and reveals a line.
A message to convey, anything else you would like to share?
Looking forward to sharing, exchanging, and discovering your stories, your feedback, and your projects!
