I was born in Paris, where the romantic idea of bohemian artistic lifestyle is inextricably bound with the way of life. From a grandfather glassblower, a grandmother lace maker and a father photographer, I think I've inherited the love of working my my hands.
As I grew up, the thought of becoming an artist was attractive but the influence of a mother who valued the income provided by a career in technology pushed me in the arms of the corporate world. After getting an IT diploma from Paris University, I worked as an application designer for the largest European mainframe computers manufacturer.
In 1998, I left everything behind to move to the United States and get married to my American fiance. As the time, I just took a leap of faith and had no clue that I was going to be able to realize my childhood dream.
Shortly after settling down in Phoenix, Arizona, I stumbled upon a store in my neighborhood who was proposing classes in stained glass.
From the hours spent playing with the paperweights made by my grand father, I've always had a fascinating attraction with glass. And I've always admired the light through the stained glass windows of Notre Dame and the Sainte Chapelle. Therefore, I thought it would be fun to learn. But what started as a new hobby became very fast a new passion.
After exploring several aspects of glass working, I found myself passionate with the kiln-formed glass process.
Suddenly, it all came back to me. the old dream of becoming an artist started to take form to become a reality. At the same time, I also realized that the true meaning of the saying "America, land of opportunity" is that there is no excuse for not achieving your dreams. Leaving behind a successful career in computer technology was not easy. But moving away from home, from my friends, to live in a new country, speak a new language and integrate into a new culture was even more difficult. And doing well with it made me aware of my potential to achieve anything I want. It gave me the courage and the confidence to take a new plunge. Not only I was going to be an artist, but I was going to be a professional artist!
At the same time I was perfecting my glass techniques and designs, I was experimenting with each aspect of the business of owning and running an art studio. I like to see myself not as an artist who happens to own a business, but as a business person who happens to be an artist. Art shows, gallery consignment, eBay... I've tried them all with a certain level of success. But none left me totally happy with my choice. Until 2008 when I decided that I was mature for the wholesale market. And here I am today.
After doing all the possible mistakes and learning from each of them, I know that awards and recognition are not the motivation that drives me. It is the need to strive to be the best I can be, to find my voice and to let it heard by all who will listen through their eyes.