I grew up in the idyllic French Breton countryside, inspired by local folklore and global tales, especially Japanese narratives. My passion led me to study Art History, but I found it incomplete. Seeking more, I moved to Montreal and enrolled in the School of Art Cabinetmaking (EEAM), where I discovered a love for transforming materials, particularly wood.In 2017, I founded Jonathän Jouan Studios, creating meticulously designed furniture and objects with various cabinetmaking techniques. Self-learning, such as straw marquetry, expanded my skills. After graduating in 2020, I moved to Copenhagen to refine my techniques and artistic style, symbolizing my commitment to artistic evolution while still focusing on mythology and folklore for my conceptual pieces.General approach about my work :As an artisan specializing in art furniture and the intricate technique of straw marquetry, I infuse vitality into my creations, accentuating the meticulous craftsmanship and finesse inherent in both straw marquetry and woodwork. Within my artistic endeavors focused on crafting ornamental pieces and furniture, I prioritize not only the visual appeal but also the experiential aspect for the user. My pieces are designed not solely for functionality and convenience but also to inspire moments of spiritual contemplation and engagement during interaction.Deeply influenced by Eastern philosophies, particularly the Japanese ethos, where ordinary acts of daily life are transformed into sacred rituals akin to the tea ceremony, I am presently immersed in exploring the ethereal domain. This journey finds expression through my reinterpretation of folklore, nostalgic recollections, and timeless narratives shared around hearths. My artistic pursuit transcends the physical realm, aspiring to evoke intangible and spiritual encounters.My current ornamental series delves into the enigmatic territory of the unseen future. Inspired by the pioneering research of Edward A.D. Mitchell, a soil specialist exploring microorganisms and amoebas, I have woven a narrative that unveils a speculative tale of a voyager journeying through an exhibition of macroorganisms, descendants of today’s amoebas. Set in an ambiguous time and place, this tale reflects the culmination of societal choices. The works I have crafted represent these organisms, ensnared by unique means, displayed for all to observe and contemplate.