Spotlight on our artisans: Justin ETRE, lace artist
The sign “Filographe” stands proudly on the stones of the Pigeonnier. Gently push open the entrance curtain and let yourself be captivated by the magic of this artist with her nimble fingers.
Lacemaker through the generations
Visit the Vallée de la Creuse This inevitably means a visit to Gargilesse, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France. It is there that you will meet the artist. Justin ETRE, who has been crafting lace with passion and meticulous attention to detail for 20 years. In her workshop located in the charming pigeon loft on the heights above the village of GrgilesseShe creates unique jewelry and artworks, combining creativity and craftsmanship.
©L.Hauchard – Office of the Vallée de la Creuse Like a natural path
Using her own handcrafted wooden tools, Justin ETRE creates a fine and airy laceCrafted from threads of various materials, her creations, whether worn around the neck or wrist, elegantly follow the body's movements. In vibrant or more subtle colors, with simple or intricate patterns, her jewelry showcases the artist's talent.tenduof his creativity.
Her personal history is intimately linked to that of thread: since 1700, her ancestors were spinners, weavers, or lacemakers . It was therefore almost natural that this path presented itself to her. After exploring various trades, the call to the loom quickly became compelling, allowing her to reconnect with her family roots.
©L. Hauchard – Office of the Vallée de la Creuse While lacemaking is central to her expertise, she also explores other artistic forms. Imposing no creative boundaries on herself, she notably creates lace sculptures , unique pieces that she does not sell: for her, they have a purely artistic, not monetary, value. She explains that "these sculptures are not objects to own, that it is possible to create without selling," and that, too, is an art.
Her creative process always begins with the material: thread. Then, she sometimes incorporates beads… or not. Above all, she seeks to break away from the beaten path to create pieces that truly reflect her personality. Thanks to her personal technique , she refuses to impose limits on herself and allows her imagination to guide her in bringing to life increasingly original jewelry and artworks.
It is possible to order a custom-made creation : each piece will be designed according to your wishes, for a unique piece of jewelry that reflects you.
Justin ETRE (portrait by JM Bonnin)“Filographe” is the name the artist gave to his workshop. But why this name? The answer is actually quite simple: “here we don’t make bodies dance, we make threads dance.”
You can visit Filographe's workshop from the beginning of April until the end of October. To contact her, simply visit her website www.filographe.fr and fill out the contact form.
