DRAGONFLY & ATELIER PIVERRE
Glass blower
Awarded the Meilleur Ouvrier de France prize which distinguishes top French craftspeople, and a trained Compagnon du Devoir artisan, François Arnaud is one of the rare blowpipe glassblowers still working in France today. He felt the calling for this trade when only fifteen and travelled the world, from Italy to Argentina, from South Africa to India, to discover all the secrets of his craft. Based since 2005 in his Sallertaine workshop in Vendée, he works traditionally and enjoys saying he practices experimental archaeology. “I am not trying to reproduce forms, but to renew with the gestures that enable their creation”. An artisan, artist and researcher, he also passes on his knowledge and teaches his art during induction days and training sessions.
