France
Mathilde Cornu
I am a french stone sculptor specializing in ornamental work and historical restoration. After studying medieval history, I turned to stone carving, which led me to work on various monuments across Europe. Since 2024, I have been exploring the relationship between tradition and contemporary creation through travels across Europe and the Caucasus, studying diverse ornamental practices. My work explores the dialogue between figurative and decorative forms, as well as composition and the repetition of motifs. I am also interested in broadening my horizons by connecting with other craftspeople through compagnonnage networks and with artists working in different materials through team snow sculpture competitions. I have also taken part in the European Stone Festival, which has allowed me to extend these exchanges to other countries and artistic traditions.
My sculptural practice works primarily with stone, exploring the intersection between ornamental design and figurative representation. It has grown out of years spent restoring historic monuments, through which a deep understanding of forms and motifs has been developed. In recent years, it has expanded through journeys across Europe and the Caucasus, studying local traditions of ornamentation—from Norwegian stave churches to Georgian ecclesiastical carvings. The work seeks to translate these diverse influences into contemporary stone sculptures, experimenting with repetition, composition, and the dialogue between decorative and figurative elements. It is particularly concerned with how motifs evolve when translated across materials, and how the balance of pattern and figure can create pieces that engage the viewer both visually and emotionally. Ultimately, this practice is an ongoing exploration of heritage, materiality, and the power of ornament to convey meaning and beauty.
