The artist Marine de Soos on exhibition until August 14
L’Île-d’Yeu —

In her works, the sculptor recounts scenes of everyday life through her many travels, childhood, and also the experience of motherhood.

Castles, embassies, national museums, foundations, European galleries, as well as international fairs—since 1999, Marine de Soos has regularly exhibited her sculptures in prestigious venues. This summer, her works have taken up residence in a small showcase on the port of the Île d’Yeu, far from institutional settings.

“I find it a real gift to be able to be in direct contact with the public, and especially on the Île d’Yeu where there is a form of simplicity. It is very enriching, because I am often alone in my small artist’s studio when I create my bronzes. I work with the human element, it comes from the heart, so it is important for me to have their gaze.”

A very precise working method
The Parisian sculptor, who has been coming to the Île d’Yeu for thirty years, has developed her working method. A common base for all her sculptures: “A metal armature that serves as a skeleton.” Around it, she works in volume, turning the piece. For very small works, it is more technical, as the clay dries and can crack.

For very large pieces, wax replaces clay: “It allows me to have much more volume,” explains Marine de Soos. Then the molds are created from the pieces, which will be used by the foundry to produce the lost-wax bronze. “I do what are called final bronzes. I retouch all the pieces at the foundry to possibly smooth out small things that were not well done. I retouch at every stage,” the artist specifies. The foundry, where the bronze is cast, is located 1,500 km from the island. To create her pieces, Marine de Soos also makes jewelry for the very fine elements. “Everything has to be readjusted; it is truly millimeter-precise work done by four hands with the chaser.” Only the final step remains: the work of the patina. What Marine de Soos offers us is an invitation to celebrate life, with great gentleness and intensity in her sculptures.

“I have traveled a great deal; it is always scenes of life that move me, the tenderness around motherhood and childhood. I always have an inner image that guides me; I do not draw, it is always a mixture of what I can see, what moves me, and what I live.”

Until August 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., exhibition at the Maison des Quais, 11 rue des Quais in Port-Joinville.
A group of two fishermen on stilts. Photo: Ouest-France.