Laura Demichelis – Bronze Artist, Craftswoman, Innovator

After earning her high school diploma, Laura enrolled at École Boulle to train as a bronze turner. Her first visit to this legendary school was nothing short of a revelation. Stepping into the turning workshop, with its monumental machines capable of producing objects of extraordinary delicacy, sparked a clear determination within her: to master this demanding craft in order to create exceptional works.

Over the course of three years, she earned a BMA (Brevet des Métiers d’Art) in bronze turning while also exploring other techniques such as bronze mounting and chasing. This range of skills provided a solid foundation for her career. At École Boulle, the teaching is built on a close relationship between teacher and student, allowing for an immersive transmission of techniques. The diversity of backgrounds in the workshop—from high school students to post-graduates—further enriched this learning experience.

Laura also discovered gender equality in the workshops, where men and women were treated equally. The precision and care required to work with metal transcended differences, making passion the true driving force.

Upon graduating, Laura joined the workshop of Hervé Van der Straeten, a house renowned for its excellence in contemporary design and luxury. This experience, remarkable in many ways, instilled in her a sense of uncompromising rigor. Under Hervé’s guidance, every piece had to reach perfection—even if it meant starting over multiple times.

While her work centered on turning bronze and brass, Laura also mastered the delicate art of assembling pieces that combined wood, lacquer, leather, and parchment. She learned to honor the character of each material, weaving them together into harmonious creations. This period, enriched by a spirit of mutual support among colleagues, became both a profound lesson in craftsmanship and a formative chapter of life itself.

In 2013, Laura paused her career to spend a year in Asia, accompanied by her partner, also a bronze turner. Traversing nine countries, beginning in Hong Kong, the journey became a quest for inspiration and a deeper understanding of local artisanal traditions.

A memorable three-month stay in Vietnam gave them the opportunity to work in a foundry specializing in hammered brass sculptures and wall décor. The working conditions were a world apart from those in France: open-air casting, flip-flops, and daily improvisation. Laura was captivated by the freedom and creativity that radiated from this pragmatic environment. The experience challenged the conventions she had long adhered to and opened her to a more intuitive approach.

Back from Asia, Laura met Stefan Leo at the Maison et Objet fair. Captivated by his work, she and her partner offered to help elevate the craftsmanship of his pieces. They moved to Berlin to collaborate with the designer. The experience proved formative: Laura explored new materials—such as shagreen, leather, and parchment—blending them with brass in contemporary creations. These two intensive years broadened her skills and deepened her artistic vision.

In 2016, Laura settled in Toulouse to establish her own studio, focusing on lighting and furniture in bronze, brass, and copper. Her “Rhino” table, born from her imagination, was added to the Mobilier National collection in 2023, France’s national institution responsible for furnishing state buildings and preserving heritage design.

Specializing in lighting, she combines artisanal mastery with a unique aesthetic. Metal and light, with their interplay of reflections and textures, provide an endless canvas for creation. In Toulouse, the proximity of an art foundry enables close collaboration, meeting the exacting standards of her creative vision.

Laura works exclusively with interior design professionals, including architects and designers. A notable example is her collaboration with Laura Gonzalez: together, they create bespoke pieces tailored to the specific requirements of prestigious projects. Each object is unique, crafted to precise dimensions, finishes, and standards for the countries involved.

For the past two years, Laura has been experimenting with enamel chemistry to integrate it with bronze. Despite technical challenges—complex adhesion and differing rates of expansion—she has achieved promising results. The enamel not only strengthens the bronze but also provides lasting protection, making it ideal for outdoor use.

With her boldness and creativity, Laura Demichelis continues to push the boundaries of fine craftsmanship, balancing tradition and innovation, and elevating each piece with her expert hands.