interview
When did you start working as an artist?
This is not a question for me. Being an artist is a way of life. Look at the different phases of my development and decide for yourself at which works of art you would call art.
Why did you start working as an artist?
There was always something missing in most jobs. Few areas offer me the symbiosis between theory and practice that I find in artistic creation. In other words: the interplay between thinking and doing. The freedom to implement with my hands what my imagination shows me.
Are there any artists who have inspired you?
There are certainly older artists and masters whose way of thinking and perspectives inspire my thoughts. But I want to avoid over-categorizing my art and refrain from offering too many connections. Otherwise, I dedicate my work to nature and the universe. I go through the day open to experiences and encounters. And one or the other gives me something that I turn into art. I believe very strongly in the power of emotions. They make art personal. Today's art scene rarely moves me; the stars are much better at that.
Can you tell us something about the materials you work with?
I work with energy sources. I mainly use raw materials such as bronze, iron, aluminum and wood. I value the density and texture of these original materials. They are alive and carry energy.
What techniques do you work with?
I think an important function of an artist is to observe. Art always has something to do with changing perspectives: reflecting the world and breaking conventions. This also requires new and unconventional techniques. Consequently, most conventional techniques were not sufficient for me for long, so I developed my own drip welding process.
Where do you work?
I work in my own studio in France near Bordeaux, my hometown.
Do you want to say something with your art?
Raymond Devos, one of the most famous French comedians of the 1980s and 1990s, once said: "Many people have something to say and say it. But I have nothing to say. Nevertheless, I want to say that I have nothing to say!" I think this describes our times very well. Everyone can and wants to say something, whether professional or amateur. We all want to get involved, whether important or insignificant. In contemporary art in particular, a lot of emphasis is placed on interpretation and statement. What does your production say? How do you interpret this detail? When I was studying, someone once said to me: "Jules, your art speaks for itself. It has a certain clarity." I think that's exactly what makes my art so special. Every work is a statement in itself. As I mentioned at the beginning, art for me has something to do with reflection. I want to reflect things like clarity, authenticity, purity, rootedness and closeness to people. You don't always need something new, fantastic or crazy to enable a change of perspective and clarify your view.
What is important to you in your work?
I want to give beauty back to people by offering them authenticity.
Today's world is so strongly influenced by subjective beauty that I try to break through it and create art that has meaning and that brings people closer to themselves and their origins. It is clear that beauty always has a subjective element. For me, however, beauty is also closely interwoven with applied knowledge and the quality that results from it.
What are your goals?
On the one hand, I would like my art to be recognized for my theory, "The Art of the Fifth Dimension." Another main goal is "contemporary art," which is currently very dominant in the art scene. In my opinion, it is too unstable and short-lived. I would like to see a return to more foundation. Back then, art had a function. For heaven, for a living or deceased person, or it was dedicated to nature and served as an addition, companionship, protection or healing. Over time, I think these functions have barely disappeared from the art world. I want to work against this throughout my life. For example, I gave my "Jules Stones" the function of rooting people in their being again. My art can be touched, felt and experienced.
What do you want to achieve in the future?
To become a successful artist, but in a good way! Through my "commitment" to the art world and with gratitude for what I have been able to experience so far. I want to pass this on to the younger generation. For example, by showing them through lectures and workshops how they can avoid many things that I had to struggle through without any support.