Reluctant to be categorized, Jouan gives himself only one label: he makes things with a purpose by aiming to craft pieces that are not only beautiful to look at, but also tell a story. With the help of wood and straw marquetry he manufactures furniture and also ornamental pieces. Jouan wants people to interact with his creations and sometimes gives them more than one way to use them.
Jouan’s work has an almost ceremonial character – and that is no coincidence: he is deeply influenced by Eastern philosophy, especially from Japan. Small day-to-day activities that turn into sacred rituals – such as the tea ceremony – are an inspiration for his work. In his latest works, the furniture maker delves into the ethereal world. Through the reinterpretation of folklore and tales once told around the fireplace, he tends to transcend the physical world – and wants to give others a glimpse of it too.
© Courtesy of the artist
Which place do you currently call home and where do you work on your projects?
I live in Copenhagen (Denmark) and work in the Frederiksberg neighborhood in Copenhagen.
Do you have a favourite place in your area where you like to relax and linger?
There is a little street named Jaegersborggade, in the Nørrebro neighborhood. It’s a really cozy place to just walk if you like local artisan shops and cafés. Just next to it, there is also the Assistens cemetery, in Nørrebro, that is also a park (yes, in Copenhagen, it’s like that). A lot of people just enjoy relaxing in that beautiful place because it’s really calm and the nature and trees are amazing.
I also definitely advise to just walk in the inner city, the architecture is lovely and you can enjoy the canals.
© wonderful copenhagen, Visit Copenhagen
Are there any urgent political issues or problems in your region?
I’m not that much into that but I think people are quite concerned about the war with Russia …
Also like all around the world in big cities, the rise of the rent is excessive.
In your opinion, what has developed well in the last 5 years – and what has not?
It is a more personal opinion and something that we don’t talk about that much is about local workshops.
Because of gentrification, a lot of local neighborhood workshops (it can be ceramic, wood workshop, … ) are evicted to build apartments. I think it’s a bit concerning for local craft people that need to find less expensive spaces to do their craft really far away. In my opinion, it’s a risk on long term for the local activities and dynamism to transform an eclectic neighborhood in kind of just a dorm. Rather than that there are a lot of initiatives to help people have a better life. For example these past years, the Danish states gave some funding to apartment owners to build balconies on their apartments to have better quality of life. Also there are more and more local farmers that offer baskets of seasonal biologic local products.
© Green Kayak
Do you know a hidden gem when it comes to local manufacturers – whether it’s arts and crafts, sustainable products or food?
There are a lot of amazing local businesses, like:
– Jazzed on Grains is a local fresh pasta shop, in Nørrebro, where they make pastas with local flours that come from around Copenhagen.
– Flacodesign is a lamp designer, also in Nørrebro, where he uses upcycled Ash wood veneer to make beautiful lamps.
– Green Kayak: If you like to do Kayak, you can do it for free with just renting a green kayak for free and sail in the canals. The only thing you have to do is pick up the trash that you find in the canal during your excursion.
© Jazzed on Grains
Is there anything particularly innovative in your region? Also in comparison to other places you have already visited?
I lived in France and Canada and today in Denmark. The most significant thing is that everyone uses bikes to go to work, bring their childrens at school (with cargo bikes). Here everything is made for bikes. Also it’s a city where you feel really secure and people tend to be respectful with each other.
Another fun fact, you will sometimes see strollers with babies inside in front of café in the street. It is a cultural thing to let little children sleep outside when the parents enjoy time with friends in cafés.
Do you have a secret restaurant tip that you would like to share with us?
Again in the Nørrebro neighborhood, I really like those restaurants:
– Omar: Really good food and the ambiance is really cozy for a date night with your loved ones.
– Tilda og Karl: also really good food, the owners are really sweet and they know what they sell. They also have good wine.
– Jazzed on Grains: they sell homemade pastas but also prepare amazing pastas and take out dishes with their homemade pastas.
© Tilda og Karl
Is there a local shop whose products are only available in your region?
Except for the local businesses, I don’t really know about that.
What are your 3 favourite apps that you use every day and couldn’t live without?
– Instagram
– LinkedIn
– Messenger
Do you have any favourite newspapers or online magazines? And how do you keep up to date with politics or social and cultural issues?
I don’t read that much magazine but I listen to some French podcasts like Thinkerview (it is more about France). I also follow some instagram accounts that are also magazines like Beautiful bizarre magazine and some websites articles like Dezeen for design. For political, social, cultural issues, like a lot of people, I check it on social media.
© Daniel Rasmussen, Visit Copenhagen
Imagine you could be mayor for a year – what would you change?
Maybe put more big trees in the streets. Copenhagen is really windy and big trees could help with that.
One last question: If you could choose another place to live – regardless of financial or time constrains – which one would you choose?
I lived in Montreal for 7 years and still today I think it’s a city that I really feel home. All the neighborhoods are beautiful and there is a cultural eclecticism that is lovely.
© Courtesy of the artist
