Matéo
Crémades

Which place do you currently call home and where do you work on your projects?

My partner and I recently moved to the small village of Hérisson, located in the Allier department in central France.

My workshop, where I create my parchment sculptures, is located in the heart of this magnificent medieval village, on the main street. At the same time, as a musician, I travel throughout France with my baroque music duo, Ensemble Parchemins, which I created with my partner in 2015.

Do you have a favorite place in your area where you like to relax and linger?

As I only arrived in Hérisson a few months ago, I haven’t yet had the chance to explore my new surroundings in depth. Hérisson lies in a valley through which flows the River Aumance. I enjoy walking along the paths that run alongside the river.

There are also several hiking trails that start from the village and take you into the beautiful Bourbonnais countryside. It’s a great way to take a break and recharge your batteries. We are also lucky to have the beautiful Tronçais forest, which is a few kilometres north of the village. It is home to some impressive and inspiring hundred-year-old oak trees.

Otherwise, I like to go for a drink at the Hérisson Social Club, the village community café. You always meet interesting people there.

Are there any urgent political issues or problems in your region?

As an artist, I am not accustomed to discussing politics. For me, art is far above the problems generated by power games and must continue to exist regardless of the political context.

However, I am truly saddened to see that French art and artists are increasingly overlooked, not only by political leaders, but also by some French people who believe that art serves no public purpose. As a result, it seems to me that it is very difficult to make a living from art in France today, and the precarious situation of artists is becoming more acute with each passing year.

In your opinion, what has developed well in the last 5 years—and what has not?

The village of Hérisson is culturally very dynamic. From this point of view, it is constantly evolving, generating and welcoming new cultural initiatives, whether in the performing arts such as theatre or music, the visual arts or even the crafts. Since the 1980s, Hérisson has been a major centre for French and international theatre. Over the years, a large number of artists from all over the world have settled in Hérisson and expanded the village’s cultural network. In the last five years, several craftspeople have moved to the village, bringing even more diversity and promoting cultural exchange.

Conversely, as in most small French villages, several essential shops have closed down. But recently, initiatives led by the municipality have gradually reversed the trend and encouraged new businesses to set up shop. I am hopeful that, within a few years, several essential shops will reopen their doors, thanks to the appeal generated by the many high-quality cultural activities on offer in and around the village.

Do you know a hidden gem when it comes to local manufacturers—whether it’s arts and crafts, sustainable products or food?

We are fortunate to have a truly exceptional patisserie in Hérisson: le Royaume du Biscuit. Mr Pascal, the head pastry chef, is a true researcher who works exclusively with ethical and responsible products. In his laboratory, he revives forgotten recipes dating back several centuries, some of which he finds in the archives of the Bibliothèque Nationale de France.

When it comes to arts and crafts, don’t miss the workshop and showroom of Patricia Lemaire, a goldsmith and jeweller located just a stone’s throw from my studio. Her contemporary jewellery is breathtaking! For more than 20 years, Patricia Lemaire has been collaborating with major luxury brands and exhibiting in numerous galleries and specialised exhibitions in France and abroad.

Is there anything particularly innovative in your region? Also in comparison to other places you have already visited?

As I mentioned earlier, Hérisson is an artists’ village that, to my knowledge, is unrivalled in France. Several international theatre companies such as Footsbarn Travelling Theatre, La Belle Meunière and the puppet company Les Antliaclastes have made their home here. As a result, there are several performance venues in the commune, which generates a great artistic dynamic.

Over the years, this theatrical hub has been joined by a whole artistic microcosm of painters, musicians and, more recently, craftspeople. A true cosmopolitan melting pot, Hérisson is home to people of nearly 17 different nationalities! Many of these artists can be found at the Hérisson Social Club, a community café in the centre of the village which has just celebrated its 10th anniversary.

Do you have a secret restaurant tip that you would like to share with us?

There are several nice places to eat in Hérisson. There’s something for everyone! Le Médiéval bistro offers simple brasserie-style food, and the Hérisson Social Club offers meals cooked by volunteers on Saturday evenings in a very friendly atmosphere.

If there’s one place that stands out from the crowd, it’s definitely Le Charles Ville bar, bistro and flea market. Housed in a former hotel, Le Charles Ville offers refined, affordable cuisine to be enjoyed amidst the antiques that decorate the restaurant. Here, everything is for sale, from the teaspoons to the chairs you sit on! A truly magnificent place not to be missed!

Is there a local shop whose products are only available in your region?

In my workshop…!

What are your 3 favourite apps that you use every day and couldn’t live without?

I only use a few apps on a daily basis. The ones I use are very common apps such as Facebook, Instagram and Gmail.

Do you have any favourite newspapers or online magazines? And how do you keep up to date with politics or social and cultural issues?

Every day I read the headlines in Le Monde and Médiapart. I try to stay away from anything that could influence my creative process, and I never mix art and politics.

Imagine you could be mayor for a year—what would you change?

In Hérisson, we are fortunate to have the best mayor I know! I have no complaints about her management of the municipality, and I would not want to be mayor in her place! As I said earlier, the municipal team is very active and attaches great importance to the cultural development of the village. For me, that is what really matters.

One last question: If you could choose another place to live—regardless of financial or time constrains—which one would you choose?

Without hesitation, I would like to live in Japan, and more specifically in Ishikawa Prefecture, located on the Sea of Japan coast. There is a wonderful city there called Kanazawa, which is a real hotbed of artisans and where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. There is also Kenrokuen Park, one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan, a truly impressive place!