Julie Brouant is one of our latest collaborators at LAMP LDN, and we’re delighted to be showcasing her stunning, hand crafted ceramics in our shop. Julie lives and works in Paris, where she keeps her home studio, and her creations are inspired by the traditional folk art from the various parts of Europe, and in particular Brittany, her home region.
It’s been a real pleasure to sit down and chat with Julie Brouant as part of our Meet the Makers series. We believe that the independent makers, artists and designers that we work with around the world become the fabric of our LAMP LDN community and the driving force behind our ethos, and it’s been fabulous to hear about Julie’s making process, her inspirations and her wonderfully Parisian life!
Tell us about your journey - how did the business begin?
I started my business in 2019 after graduating from art school. I studied illustration, but I always had an interest in ceramics, so I started taking classes and fell in love with it! For me it was a way of displaying my illustrations in a three-dimensional support. I started selling my ceramics on Etsy, before switching to my own e-shop. Today I mostly work with independent retailers, such as your lovely selves at LAMP LDN or the beautiful shop La Maison de Commerce in Paris!
Is there anyone in your life who has had a lasting influence on your taste and style?
I would say both of my grandmothers, who were artists each in their own way.
What, would you say, are the biggest inspirations for your creations?
My biggest inspiration is definitely folk art from various regions around the world, but especially from Brittany, which is where I was born. I am also very influenced by the work of illustrators and ceramists such as Nathalie Lété or Joseph Dupré.
Do you have a favourite moment of your making process?
It’s hard to choose just one, so I would say the moment where I open the kiln after a firing to discover the new pieces (which can be a good or sometimes a bad surprise!), or the moment that I start to add the decoration.
Tell us about your supply chain - where do you source your materials? Do you try to remain conscious of longevity and sustainability?
I try to source my materials from around Europe, and particularly in France when it’s possible. With ceramics it’s sometimes hard to be 100% ecologically responsible because we use a lot of resources like electricity, but I do everything I can to reduce my carbon footprint. This starts with optimising the firings as much as possible, and recycling the materials for example the clay and the glazes. Also, my ceramics are made to last, so hopefully you can use them all your life!
Tell us something you love about your own home?
I have this lovely drawer cabinet from the 1930s that I use to store my paintings and drawings. It is my favourite piece of furniture! And in general, what I love about my home is that it is filled with travel souvenirs and pieces that I’ve thrifted. So it looks more and more like “me” as time goes by.
What’s your favourite thing about being an independent maker?
What I love about being an independent maker is the feeling of freedom and being able to do what I love almost everyday. But, it also comes with some disadvantages: for example, it’s sometimes hard to make a living out of it, so you often have to work a side job. It is however a compromise I am willing to make because the highlights are very much worth it!
Meet the Maker Quick Fire Round
Your favourite cocktail
The homemade Cosmopolitan I make with my friend Magda!
Your ideal Sunday morning
Going to the farmers market and having a nice breakfast.
We’re coming round for dinner - what’s on the menu?
At the moment, probably a leek and spinach Shakshuka that I learned to make from Yotam Ottolenghi’s cooking book!
Your rainy afternoon comfort movie
“Petite Maman” by the french director Céline Sciamma
Your favourite pick from the current LAMP LDN collection (that isn’t something of yours!)
I love the vintage leaf planters of your current collection!
You can follow Julie Brouant on Instagram here!