“A piece of furniture needs to exude silence so it can be loved for a long time”, says Eric Schmitt, who prefers expression rather than exposing himself. This talented artist hates to reveal himself, so he lets his soul communicate through his art pieces.
“Floating table” (2017). Made of wood top and legs and blown glass bases. Photo: ©Eric Schmitt
“Canoë armchair” (2016), exhibited by Twenty First Gallery. Made of lacquered steel, polished bronze and Alcantara. Photo: ©Eric Schmitt
The arch of a marble cabinet or the silhouette of a “Jarre” table which seem to be there for all eternity evoke his childhood spent in Poitou of the Romanesque churches.
“Mordue coffee table” (2017), exhibited in Galerie du Passage. Made of silver plated bronze and slate top. Photo: ©Eric Schmitt
“Jaillissement pendant lamp” (2016), Ralph Pucci International. Made of lacquered mat and gloss aluminum, brass rods and blown Bohemian glass balls. Photo: ©Eric Schmitt
He started as a self-taught artist and artisan who created alone all his first pieces with skill and dedication: his urban, barbarian and rock’n roll period was punctuated by the piercing beat of his sledge hammer.
“Joséphine console” (2017), exhibited at Maison Darré. Made of Base in lava and marble Breccia Capraia. Photo: ©Eric Schmitt
Schmitt always tries to balance his pieces’ ornaments, creating tables and consoles in folded bronze or associated with materials which contrast with the rigidity of the metal. His aesthetic is also marked by curved shapes.
“Twincone table” (2017), exhibited at Galerie du Passage. Made of patinated bronze and white opal marble. Photo: ©ES
“Tripode stand” (2012). Made of patinated bronze and marble. Photo: ©ES
In his workshop, at the edge of the Fontainebleau forest, creations are born inspired by organic forms and symbolic nature, light and density, the past and the future. This artist’s pieces are almost indestructible, relics of a civilization still to be invented which exhibited the finest craftsmanship.
“Corner Haute side table” (2006), Ralph Pucci International. Made of Black patinated bronze and polished bronze, black patinated bronze and silver plated bronze, gold bronze and parchment, patinated black bronze and parchment, gold bronze. Photo: ©ES
His sketch becomes a technical drawing and model before being entrusted to the best craftsmen, metalworkers, glassmakers and marble workers. In the end, the piece is patinated and assembled. Eric Schmitt’s art is in perpetual evolution.
“Gotham Table” (2017). Made of Marquina Marble top and composite base. Photo: ©ES
Stay with us to find out more about the best contemporary designers and the most exquisite craftsmanship.
See More Related Stories
Marc Newson: One of the Best Contemporary Designers in the World
New Twenty First Gallery Collectible Design at The Salon Art+Design NY
