Biography
Valérie Desbois has always loved creating and working with her hands; even when she was pursuing a different career, she constantly maintained a space of freedom where she could experiment. It is this deeply rooted need to create that naturally led her toward craftsmanship.
She became an artisan out of a passion for materials and experimentation, drawn to the idea of transforming simple elements into singular objects. This curiosity led her to develop her own texture—a material she perfected using a base of paper, clay, and resin.
Through this unique blend, Valérie gives life to her creations: suspension lamps that diffuse a warm, ethereal glow; floor lamps conceived as true sculptural totems; and vases that celebrate the tactile harmony between earth and fiber.
Each object, a blend of curiosity, patience, and passion, is also an opportunity for her to play with appearance and imperfections. She has allowed this work to evolve at her own pace, until it took an essential place in her life.
Technique & Process
Paper Preparation
Valérie’s manufacturing process unfolds in several stages. It begins with the research and selection of materials: she carefully chooses her types of paper, primarily using paper pulp or fiber-rich Nepalese paper. She then selects the clay and resin based on the desired texture, strength, and final appearance. The paper is cut, moistened, and blended until a smooth pulp is obtained. This step creates a flexible and malleable base.
Incorporating the Clay
She gradually adds clay to give the paste body, improve its plasticity, and define the specific texture.
Adding Resin
The resin reinforces the strength and durability of the paste. Valérie integrates it with precision to maintain the perfect balance between rigidity and workability.
Mixing and Kneading
She combines the three elements until she achieves a paste that is either smooth or more rustic, depending on the desired result.
Creation and Shaping
Once the paste is ready, she follows her inspiration to shape the pieces she has previously designed and built using various materials. Each creation requires patience and precise gestures.
Drying and Finishing
After complete drying, Valérie carries out the finishing touches: sanding and retouching, followed by several layers of paint and protective varnish.
her products
Sculptural table lamp
Price range: 120,00 € through 175,00 €
Split Monolith Table Lamp
Price range: 115,00 € through 190,00 €
Organic Arch Table Lamp
Price range: 130,00 € through 185,00 €
Luminaire à Suspendre
1 820,00 €Collections
Suspension Lamps
These suspension lamps redefine the lightness of paper through a sophisticated artisanal lens. Hand-sculpted using Valérie’s signature blend of Nepalese fiber and clay, each lampshade acts as a unique diffuser, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere. The organic edges and the tactile surface play with shadows when the light is off, only to transform into glowing sculptures when illuminated. Reinforced with resin for lasting durability, these lamps are a perfect marriage of structural innovation and poetic design.
Floor Lamps
Standing as bold statements of craftsmanship, Valérie’s floor lamps are true “living sculptures.” The height of these pieces showcases the strength and plasticity of her unique material, where the mineral texture of clay meets the fibrous soul of paper. Each base and shade is meticulously finished with multiple layers of protective varnish, highlighting the intentional imperfections that make every lamp a singular work of art. They bring a grounded, earthy elegance to any space, bridging the gap between functional lighting and contemporary art.
Artisanal Vases
More than mere containers, these vases are a celebration of Valérie’s material experimentation. The process of kneading paper pulp with clay results in a “stony” yet lightweight aesthetic that is surprisingly soft to the touch. Whether featuring a smooth, minimalist finish or a more rustic, textured surface, each vase is hand-shaped to honor the natural irregularities of the material. These pieces are designed for those who appreciate the beauty of the handmade, where every curve tells a story of patience and creative research.
