A Victory that Illuminates My Journey

It is with immense joy that I share this wonderful news with you: I have just won the Atelier d’Art de France Nouvelle-Aquitaine Regional Competition in the Creation category with my work “Les Envolées” (The Flights)! This recognition represents much more than a simple prize for me – it is the validation of an artistic path I chose a few years ago and which continues to fascinate me every day.

My Story with Feathers

It all began in 2017. I was then a stylist, but I was looking for something more, elements that would have particular value to enhance my creations. That’s when I discovered feathers. It was love at first sight! The sensuality of this material, its shimmering reflections, and the infinite creative possibilities it offers immediately captivated me. I knew instantly that this was the path I wanted to follow.

Today, I don’t simply craft jewelry or accessories. I create pieces that tell a story, where each feather finds its place to give birth to unique creations. My approach is contemporary: I want people to be first attracted by the color, iridescence, and texture of my pieces before even discovering that they are made of feathers.

A Responsible Art, an Ethical Passion

Since feather work is strictly regulated, I scrupulously ensure that I respect species protection rules. I source only from regulated suppliers and collect feathers when they naturally fall from birds, thus guaranteeing respectful collection. This ethical approach is an integral part of my creation – I cannot conceive my art without this deep respect for the environment.

My Creations: Between Jewelry and Works of Art

My creative universe unfolds across several registers. I offer elegant and subtle jewelry, accessories for men such as bow ties and cufflinks, but my true originality is revealed in my feather paintings and sculptures. These artistic works, often abstract, are pieces where material, colors, and movements intertwine poetically, inviting viewers on a captivating visual journey.

A Competition of Excellence

Participating in this competition was an extraordinary experience. I had the chance to meet exceptional artisans like Fabien Pandraud, illuminator and winner of the Heritage category, as well as all the other finalists: Aurélie Leruth (stone sculptor), Thomas Longuefosse (cabinetmaker), Cyrille Launay (lighting designer), Nicolas Favard (jewelry artisan), Annibal Arizzoli Richardeau (sculptor), Cécile Jean (upholsterer artisan), Franck Collin (petrified wood sculptor), Adriaan Diedericks (bronze artisan), and Mélanie Coadou (stained glass artist).

I was very happy to meet them, to share our experiences, and to admire their creations that contribute to the beauty and excellence of French craftsmanship. A big thank you to the Arkua Elkartea association and to the artisans of the village of La Bastide Clairence for their warm welcome and the organization of this competition.

The National Final: A Stimulating Challenge

Next July, I will have the honor of representing Nouvelle-Aquitaine at the national final. I will present an impressive work: a feather painting measuring 1 meter by 1.5 meters. This monumental creation concentrates all my expertise and passion for this unknown art that is feather artistry.

This prize represents beautiful recognition of our artisanal expertise and helps to highlight this beautiful craft. I am proud to be able to carry the colors of our region and to contribute to introducing the beauty of feather artistry to the general public.

Come Discover My Work

For those who wish to discover or rediscover my work, I invite you to visit my two partner boutiques in Dordogne:

L’Art et la Matière
18 rue Colonel de Chadois in Bergerac

Signatures
29 rue Limogeanne in Périgueux

Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Gratitude and Perspectives

I want to warmly thank the jury for their confidence and support. This victory is not only mine – it also belongs to all those who believe in art crafts and who support exceptional trades.

The art of feathers is more than a profession for me. It is a true passion, a tribute to the beauty of nature and the expression of deep respect for the environment. Through my creations, I hope to prove that exceptional craftsmanship can be simultaneously modern, responsible, and profoundly poetic.

See you in July for the national final – I can’t wait to share this new adventure with all of you!

With all my gratitude,

Amandine Bonneau
Feather Artist