Véronique Clanet
An Artist Life
Member of the prestigious Taylor Foundation and of the Maison des Artists, Véronique Clanet has been exhibiting her work in France and abroad for more than 20 years. Her exhibitions offer visitors a privileged moment in which to discover her tenderness, delicacy and sensitivity.
Véronique is originally from the Ariège but she now lives in Lahitte-Toupière, a small village in the Hautes-Pyrénées.
At 27 years old she enrolled in Tarbes School of Art.
Although her first creations were inspired by Modigliani, she rapidly developed her own style in which depictions of women, the position of the head, expressions on faces and the use of colour are very much to the fore.
In 2001 she created and led “l’Atelier de Véro” (Véro’s workshop) which enabled her to pass on her skills in fine arts to students while continuing to perfect her own artistic knowledge.
After 10 years full of sharing and emotions she decided to once again dedicate herself entirely to her own work, particularly sculpture.
This second period has seen the expression of her sensitivity through the realisation of bronzes such as “Les Femmes Feuilles”. These confirm her mastery of movement through voluptuous and sensual scenes imbued with peace, love and sweetness.
Véronique Clanet, however, found that she needed to go further and broader. Propelled by an overflowing creative ambition she has chosen to work in other forms; with other techniques; and in other materials.
It is natural therefore that she has decided to take up her brushes once again. This return to her sources has brought the affirmation and recognition of her as an artist through the creation of the emblematic “Pétillantes” which, in themselves, symbolise the universe of Véronique Clanet.
Whether on canvas, in resin or in fired clay we are plunged into the universe of the Roaring Twenties. The expressions of these ladies encapsulate a wise a knowing mix of naivety and seduction.
We have here an invitation to discover the works of an artist who knows how to diversify her talent to create personalities and explore characters on particular themes (such as Marianne), all in her own style. Her works have found their way into galleries and other prestigious display areas dedicated to the contemplation of art.
There is nothing left except for you to come and discover these works: to approach them and to listen to them. Without doubt they will carry you away with them and make you want to share the marvellous fairy world of the “Pétillantes”.
Pascal Carabin
MODIGLIANI has been a source of inspiration. In painting or sculpture, my style asserts itself very quickly, through creations in which the feminine is honoured by its joyfulness. A first series was born from the need to work on the expression of the eyes. Portraits with large half-moon eyes, and twinkling pupils were born, from which comes the name that these ladies bear today, “Les Pétillantes”, the Sparkling Ladies.
“ The Couple “
An artist never stops searching for herself. I am exploring other horizons that appear around me in a new theme: the couple.
In the series “Les Femmes Feuilles” (the Leafy Ladies), I deepen the study of new materials and techniques such as clay and bronze. This second period will go in another artistic direction. The mastery of movement will assert itself through voluptuous, refined and sensual scenes characterised by peace, love and softness. These bronze sculptures are an assembly of moving parts that fit together like a puzzle with several possible configurations. I leave it up to each person to choose the expression or emotion desired at any time (passion, dance, seduction, tenderness, sulkiness …) This series will fit into several prestigious galleries such as the Vivendi Gallery, on the Place des Vosges in Paris; the Raugraff Gallery, in Nancy; and the Tavira d’Artes Gallery, in southern Portugal.
“ The Portrait “
However, this artistic approach is not enough for me in itself.
The desire to discover other materials and techniques draws me out of my comfort zone.
“Les Pétillantes” are going to take a new turn. This second series brings a new vision of an art that connects a graphic finesse with a purification of colours. Around the theme of the portrait, I explore several techniques: glass fusion, steel, laser cutting, moulding and resin.
The creation of triptychs or quadriptychs once again allows the public to become a participant by having the choice of assembly. These are works that adapt themselves to peoples’ desires and living spaces.
“ Everyday scenes “
Another turning point that will have a major importance in my artistic career is the realization of everyday scenes in the atmosphere of the Roaring Twenties, inspired by the paintings of my predecessors.
“After Covid”
It is natural, therefore, that I have decided to pick up my brush again and take a new look at the Pétillantes, which are now softer, more reassuring and full of hope about life. On each painting a bird either appears in flight (as a symbol of freedom), or whispering these words into the ear of a character : “it’s important to keep in mind your dreams in mind if they are to become real”; or as the witness of a dream coming true. These paintings highlight the small, simple moments of every day life that are the kernel of our lives. We just have to be aware of them in we want to see them!
Les Pétillantes series is “A hymn to life”, a transmission of feelings, of freshness, levity and joy.
My work uses different mediums, techniques and colours with the intention of making people smile and feel at peace; putting them in a good mood so that they can share the experience I have when I create it.
To make people’s everyday life sparkle, to bring light into the spaces of life, and to make the sparkle grow with each glance – that is my goal.