In the Atelier
You have arrived in the virtual atelier, which is a showcase of my work.
My work is transdisciplinary, nourished by the intersection of my scientific background, my love for fiber and needle work, my interest in somatic practices and my commitment to supporting an ecology of relationships.
Know-how
I use a vast diversity of techniques for expressing myself through materials: drawing, painting, sewing, embroidery, lace-making, crochet, feather-work, wood carving, terracotta, mixed assemblages...
Materials
Over the years, I have built up a broad materials library of substances that animate and inspire me: old things carrying histories, or natural elements, raw or transformed by my own hands.
Connections
My background in life sciences offers me a research approach and a singular methodology. My interest in somatic practices, human sciences, philosophy and poetry nourish my reflections.
Signifacts
The word "Signifact" is a neologism for "meaningful effect", which can be read both as a symbolic object and as the effect of a sensible action. Signifacts are thus the embodiment in matter of human processes.
The reality of stones
Since childhood, I have had a particular love for minerals, fossils and more generally stones. This section presents the various works I undertake that focus on the mineral world.
Installations & Costumes
I collaborate regularly on performing arts or audiovisual projects, for which I create scenographic installations and costumes.
Edmée Petit
« Creativity designates the ability to marvel at things, the desire to respond to what shakes us. Or, more simply, it is an act of love, whatever its nature […] »
From my childhood in Flanders' Maritime region, I had the fortune of growing up in nature's embrace and developed a passion for entomology, paleontology, dance, crochet, and traditional crafts. Among this diversity of interests, I chose to pursue bioengineering studies in Belgium. While attending my courses, I continued developing my creativity through assembling raw natural materials (bone, feathers, wood, insects, stones) and materials (thread, beads, fabric, leather) using various techniques learned largely through self-teaching.
I pursued my studies with a doctoral thesis in plant biology. During this 5-year period, I explored who I am: identity, relationship to the world, relationship to others. I began delving deeper into the humanities, philosophy, psychology, social struggles. It was a tumultuous period for me, and my creativity served my transformations (expression, emotional support, analysis, relational tools). From 2020 for 3 years, I was part of an improvisation collective founded on listening. Within that space, I learned to (have) trust (in myself), to know myself and to (live) fully.
At the end of 2022, I decided to leave the city and academic research. In spring 2023, I discovered Périgord Vert and settled there in summer 2024, ready to officially take on the status of visual artist and determined to nourish, in one way or another, my passion for research.
I am a Researcher, Dancer, Listener, Artist, Poet, Dreamer, Improviser, Lover, Embroiderer, Sensitive, Alive…
I am because we are
Contact me
Or write to me directly at edmeelagrande [at] protonmail.com