" Every new creation becomes my favorite. I would like my passion for art to translate into works that transcend the material to awaken emotion and stimulate the imagination. "
Xavier Houdayer
XHOUDAYER
sculptor & painter, Neuilly Plaisance (93)
Xavier reveals his journey and creative process, based on intellectuality, interiority, and introspection.
Tell us your story, how did you find your calling?
My artistic journey began 25 years ago when I shared my passion for sculpture with my young children through clay modeling.
These moments of inspiration marked the beginning of this creative adventure that led me to explore different forms of artistic expression.
Influences: Salvador Dalí, Auguste Rodin, comic books, surrealism,...
How would you describe your style and your artistic approach in a few words?
Abstract style, introspective and cerebral approach. Formally and materially, the figuration is rather gentle, leaning more toward intellectuality and essence; it is an internal work focused on the projection of a thought-out or dreamed-of interiority.
A communication toward the signifier, based on the principle that works on the signifier themselves form an assumed discourse, exploring and developing a single theme to make it convey as much as possible, or using a single resource to explore all its facets
What themes or subjects inspire you the most in your work?
The power of the female body in stylized, even abstract forms; each piece represents a story told through the molding of clay.
How do you work?
Work in a studio at my home, with plenty of light, alone or with my partner as a live model.
Do you have a particular technique or specific expertise? Without revealing all your secrets, have you developed your own methods and techniques?
Modeling, using raw clay, followed by drying, with no firing; patina created using spray paints before reproduction by making elastomer molds and plaster of Paris casings, then casting in synthetic plaster.
Followed by professional-quality spray painting.
Pieces signed "XHoudayer," numbered 1 to 8 plus 4 artist's proofs, in either bronze or synthetic plaster.
Tell us about your daily life, your constraints, your joys, your successes…
Currently, I am working on several new pieces, made of raw dried clay. I am also planning to reproduce certain unique pieces, in order to be able to respond to potential demand or sales, but also to be able to participate in exhibitions using the molds already available..
I no longer lack the time to give free rein to my desires to create daily; each day brings me the joy of creating a new piece, and/or working on the promotion of my works via social networks such as Instagram, Facebook....
Each new completed piece is for me a success that I love to share first with my loved ones.
A message to convey, anything else you would like to share?
Each new creation becomes my favorite. I would like my passion for art to translate into works that transcend the material to awaken emotion and stimulate the imagination.