Photo source and dialogue by Elise Valdorcia The desire to create stirs within each of us, the question is what gift(s) were we born with, and how do we take it from seed to bloom and share it with others? Photo source and dialogue by Elise Valdorcia Elise said, "My greenhouse-style studio is conducive to creating all kinds of artwork, in all formats. It is an inspiring workplace where materials take form and gather movement, guided by shadows and emotion. The past meets the contemporary, poetry and dreams are made real, and works are crafted. My studio is a beating heart that brings sculptors from quattrocentro Florence back to life." Photo source and dialogue by Elise Valdorcia Each Saturday I like to use my blog to platform an artist that I admire. Today it is Elise! Photo source and dialogue by Elise Valdorcia "Sculpted wood, baroque and contemporary lines, gold leaf, glass, sheet metal, and paper mâché—they all meet here, and the adventure can be colorful or extremely minimalist." Adds Elise about what she used to create her beautiful art. Photo source and dialogue by Elise Valdorcia Photos source and dialogue by Elise Valdorcia Technique from our ancestors Elise creates paper mâché sculptures using a time-honored technique. Paper mâché first appeared in the Far East in the 8th century and made its way to Europe in the 16th century. In Italy, paper mâché earned recognition as a noble and poetic art form. Photo source and dialogue by Elise Valdorcia “I regretted not leaving Carrare marble for paper mâché more often, this divine material that always went beyond it in nobility and finesse.” From the memoirs Benvenuto Cellini, sculptor and goldsmith, 1500-1571 Photo source and dialogue by Elise Valdorcia Follow this link to locate where Elise offers her art for purchase. Galleries & Stores in France and abroad Photo source and dialogue by Elise Valdorcia More about Elise: Each piece is unique "From my workshop, the Elise Valdorcia Studio in Provence, I take each piece from idea to drawing to creation. I make mirrors, light fixtures, small tables, and other household objects, harmoniously mixing styles and eras. I am an artist and decorator, specialized in antiquing objects (using polychromy or gold leaf). My passion for my work comes through in my paper mâché creations. Laurent makes wooden sculptures, creating unique pieces from 18th- and 19th-century wood. He also practises marquetry, having...