Bar Marsella
Barcelona-based artist Justine Menard first fell in love with her medium—glass—when she saw a picture of some jewellery. “I discovered the whole world of glass work,” she tells trobat. Having worked as a fashion stylist before pursuing glass full time, Justine’s work spans jewellery and sculpture, using traditional glass blowing techniques. “I am in awe of the process of creating a piece by breath, transforming the material from liquid to rigid,” she says.
My discipline is working with glass, using different techniques. I first found a picture of jewellery made of glass, and discovered the whole world of glass work, from blowing, to cold work, and Murano glass. I was really in awe of this kind of work, especially blowing glass, the process of creating a piece by breath and transforming the material from liquid to rigid. I was really impressed by all these mysterious techniques.
I was first interested in fashion design. Then, when I began working as a stylist, I started experimenting with jewellery for photoshoots. I started to play with organic materials from the sea, crystals, rocks… all different things. From there I discovered glass work, moved to Barcelona and focused on this path.
I would say I feel more supported by artists for who they represent than their actual work. I love Georgia O’Keefe. Her work and aesthetic support me. Who she was had a strong impact on the way I see art.
I am part of a co-working space in Barcelona where there are different glass artists. It is very inspiring and supporting to be able to work with other people with the same passion. I think it really helps in the everyday life of an artist.
I would invite Salvador Dali & Antoní Gaudi for sure. Marcel Proust for the french touch, Isadora Duncun, and Peggy Guggenheim. I will go for a surrealist dinner and serve some asparagus.
I watched a documentary called My Octopus Teacher by Pippa Ehrlich & James Reed. I cried a lot and it made me realise that I want to participate in the protection of the sea even more.
I would open a big house to rescue all animals that need some love. Maybe that’s my plan later in life.
I am a Capricorn, and definitely a hard worker!
