15/11/23

Studio Visit with Sarah Espuete of Oeuvres Sensibles

A textile haven in the heart of Marseille...

Woman in striped shirt works on textile project. Person with grey hair in black clothing visible in foreground.

Created by artist Sarah Espuete, Oeuvres Sensibles is a textile haven. Situated side by side, the Oeuvres Sensibles workshop and showroom are nestled just behind the main area of Marseille, on a cozy little side street opposite a bike repairs shop. Inside is a celebration of antique linens and slow-arts craft, all acting as a vehicle to bring people together.

The showroom, and Sarah's office space, feature stacks of textiles she has collected all over France and through various online auctions. At the dining table, Sarah shows us through her grandmother's doily collection, pointing out the care and skill of each technique used, an obvious, and personal, inspiration. Also on the table were ceramics made by her friends, indigo dyed pieces, and glass cutlery stands handmade by Sarah.

Dressed in interesting French brands and a pure, bright smile, Sarah had just returned from a holiday in Italy. She explains how Oeuvres Sensibles allows her to carve out time to live (a reoccurring theme in every French person's life, non?), and work in a way that allows her enough space to inject any gathered energy back into her project. Sarah is engaged and enthusiastic about her work, her two spaces are in order and loved. It is tidy but warm, a little eclectic. We marvel over the door's handmade curtain ropes.

The workshop next door cracks open the brand's processes, and we were able to see piles of collected textiles ready for washing and ironing, desks laid in fabric with stencils being traced on. Hung on the wall was 'the' plate, spoon, and fork that repeatedly show up in Oeuvres Sensibles dining pieces. Embroidered napkins, placemats, and tablecloths, are sent to a roster of friends who have skilled enough hands to embroider each piece.

Metal-framed chair with white textile featuring hand-drawn vine pattern. Round wooden table nearby. Worn, painted floor.

Vintage furniture host table cloths and runners.

Red spiral staircase leads to art space with large canvases. Minimalist drawings of flowers, tableware, and plants. Paint-marked floor.

Dining table with embroidered linens near large window. Red wall visible outside. Red spiral staircase in foreground.

Two potted plants inside building, visible through window with hanging linens. Street reflections and graffiti visible.

Favourite textiles hand selected from all over France.

Room with red spiral staircase. Fabric panels with line-drawn kitchen items hang in background. Worn cement floor.

Table set with blue runner, green glasses, white dish, textured bowl, knife, and folded napkins.

Room with red floor, wooden chair, and stacked fabrics. Shelves with various items on left.

Close-up of light-coloured quilt with delicate embroidery on wooden chair. Vivid red background.

Wooden bench with cushions featuring minimalist designs. Pizza boxes, vase with wheat, marbles, and wine bottle on table.

Comfort, joy, humour and happiness imbue the studio and workshop.

Person in striped shirt holds paper with grid patterns. Folded white and beige fabrics in background.

Up the red spiral staircase that Sarah has specifically put in when she moved into the building, we find ourselves in Sarah's space, a desk speckled with collected fragments and notes, a vintage IKEA lamp, and her signature-red floor. Sarah opens up a recent work: a bedspread embroidered with a sleeping woman and a curled up cat, a scene we can all relate to wanting more of!

This feeling of comfort and happiness is woven into all that Sarah creates. With an inherent joy and humour, Oeuvres Sensibles gives us a reason to slow down.