Laura Demichelis – Bronze Artist, Craftswoman, Innovator

From a very young age, Laura Demichelis knew her path would be shaped by craft and creation. Drawn irresistibly to metal—especially bronze and brass—she made them the foundation of her artistic language. What follows is the story of a journey defined by learning, refinement, and discovery.

After completing her secondary studies, Laura joined the renowned École Boulle to train as a bronze turner. Her first visit to the school proved transformative. Standing in the turning workshop—surrounded by monumental machines capable of producing objects of striking finesse—she felt a decisive pull: she wanted to master this demanding craft to create work of exceptional quality.

Over three immersive years, she earned a Brevet des Métiers d’Art in bronze turning while also exploring complementary disciplines such as bronze mounting and chasing. These skills formed a solid foundation for her future. At École Boulle, teaching is rooted in a close bond between master and student, allowing for an intimate and rigorous transmission of technique. The mix of profiles in the workshop—from teenagers to post-graduates—enriched the dynamic even further.

She also discovered that the workshop was a place of genuine gender equality. Precision, patience, and respect for the material transcended any difference; passion was the only measure that mattered.

Upon leaving school, Laura joined the workshop of Hervé Van der Straeten, a house celebrated for its excellence in contemporary design and luxury. The experience proved formative. Under Hervé’s uncompromising eye, every piece had to reach absolute perfection—even if it meant starting over again and again.

While her primary focus remained bronze and brass turning, she also learned to assemble pieces that combined wood, lacquer, leather, and parchment. She developed a profound respect for the nature of each material, weaving them together with precision. This period—marked by a strong sense of mutual support among colleagues—became both a practical education and a defining chapter in her artistic maturity.

In 2013, Laura paused her career to spend a year travelling across Asia with her partner, also a bronze turner. Crossing nine countries, starting in Hong Kong, the journey became a search for inspiration and a window into diverse artisanal traditions.

A pivotal three-month stay in Vietnam allowed them to work in a foundry specialising in hammered brass sculptures and wall panels. The working conditions—open-air casting, flip-flops, constant improvisation—were worlds apart from France. Laura was fascinated by the freedom, spontaneity, and sheer pragmatism that defined the workshop. The experience stripped away many of the conventions she had internalised and encouraged her to trust a more intuitive approach.

After returning from Asia, Laura met designer Stefan Leo at the Maison et Objet fair. Captivated by his work, she and her partner proposed to refine the craftsmanship behind his pieces, leading them to relocate to Berlin. The collaboration expanded Laura’s artistic vocabulary: she worked with shagreen, leather, and parchment, combining them with brass to create contemporary, hybrid pieces. These intense years broadened her skill set and sharpened her artistic vision.

In 2016, Laura moved to Toulouse to establish her own studio, dedicating herself to creating lighting and furniture in bronze, brass, and copper. Her Rhino table, a sculptural work of great character, entered the Mobilier National collection in 2023.

Specialising in lighting, she brings together artisanal mastery and a distinctive aesthetic. Metal and light—through their interplay of texture and reflection—offer her a limitless field of exploration. The presence of a nearby art foundry allows her to develop complex pieces under optimal conditions.

Laura now collaborates exclusively with professionals—architects and interior designers. A standout partnership is her work with Laura Gonzalez, with whom she develops fully bespoke pieces tailored to the requirements of prestigious international projects. Each object is unique, crafted with precise attention to dimensions, finishes, and local standards.

For the past two years, Laura has been experimenting with enamel chemistry to integrate it with bronze. Despite technical constraints—differences in expansion, difficult adhesion—she has achieved promising results. Enamel not only enhances bronze but also protects it, making it suitable for outdoor use.

With her bold vision and tireless curiosity, Laura Demichelis continues to push the boundaries of fine metalwork. Balancing tradition with innovation, she elevates every piece she creates through expertise, sensitivity, and a deep respect for her materials.