Manuela Paul Cavallier
In the heart of Florence, Italy, Manuela Paul-Cavallier embarked on a journey that would redefine the art of gilding for the modern era. With a career spanning over thirty-five years in the realm of gold leaf, Manuela delved deep into the ancient techniques that have been passed down through generations since the 13th century. Her quest for knowledge led her to explore the age-old practices of using natural materials like rabbit-skin glue, garlic, and ox gall, uncovering the secrets of gilders from a bygone era. This foundational period in Italy was more than just an apprenticeship; it was a deep immersion into the alchemy of gilding, setting the stage for a distinguished career that would bridge past and present.
Upon returning to Paris, Manuela's expertise and dedication earned her certification as a gilding restorer by the prestigious Musées de France. Her work, characterized by meticulous attention to detail and a profound understanding of material language, sought to answer a complex question: how can we use this ancient art to craft the antiquities of tomorrow? This philosophical inquiry has guided her through countless projects, creating bespoke contemporary spaces for interior decorators and major luxury brands, and breathing new life into traditional gilding techniques.
Manuela's passion extends beyond restoration; she is an artist who paints with pigments and gold leaf, crafting pieces that act as mirrors to the soul. Her creations explore the dialogue between gold and other materials, capturing their subtle interplay of shadow and light. These works are not just visual experiences but sensory journeys, where the opulent and the poetic converge in endlessly sparkling vibrations.
Central to Manuela's practice are the universal values of beauty, respect for ancient practices, and the intimate connection between heart and hand. As she navigates the rich heritage of gold leaf in the United States, her goal is to illuminate this shared cultural legacy and foster a dialogue that transcends geographical boundaries.
Manuela seeks to engage with a diverse spectrum of individuals linked to the art of gilding, from artisans and designers to academics and students. Through these exchanges, she aims to compare and contrast expertise, art of creation, and communication methods, enriching the dialogue between continents. Her vision encompasses not just the sharing of techniques and symbolism but also the exploration of local opportunities for learning, teaching, displaying works, and leading workshops.
Her work has not gone unnoticed; in 2014, Manuela became the first recipient of the Métiers d’art prize awarded by the Institut Français, supported by the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation, at Villa Kujoyama in Kyoto, recognizing her work around "the aestheticism of subtraction." This accolade was followed by a collaboration with Yves Saint Laurent Beauty in 2017 to create a limited edition of the Opium fragrance bottle, and monumental works for the Hôtel-Dieu in Lyon in 2018–19. Today, her workshop by Lake Annecy continues to be a hub of creativity and innovation.
Manuela's inquiry into the role of gold in the American cultural and artistic scene seeks to understand its symbolism, contemporary artistic expressions, and its presence in private and public interiors. By fostering collaborations and sparking exchanges, she aims to uphold and enrich the artistic tradition of gilding, ensuring its relevance and vibrancy for future generations.
With a background steeped in the traditions of Florence and Paris, and accolades that span continents, Manuela Paul-Cavallier's work is a testament to the enduring allure of gilding. Through her artistic creations and restoration projects, she continues to explore the boundaries of this ancient craft, inviting us to see the world through a golden lens. Her journey is not just about preserving a craft but about weaving it into the fabric of contemporary art and design, creating a legacy that shines as brightly as the materials she works with.