Michaël Cailloux: "As a kid, I was drawing everywhere, even on walls"

Michaël Cailloux is an 44 year old artist and designer. He draws for dinnerware, books and more. He lives in Paris, France, with his spouse.

What are you up to?

I’ve been working on a porcelain dinnerware collection for Bernardaud, called Féerie (which means ‘enchantment’). I’m also preparing an exhibition for which I’m creating new etchings and Wall Jewelry pieces. All in all, I’m drawing a lot and thinking of new ideas for my next book and collections to come.

How does living in Paris feed your creativity?

Paris is such an inspiring city with a huge cultural program and, under normal circumstances, there are new exhibitions to discover every week. All the artists know each other because we’re all working, we studied at the same schools or we’ve met each other via various events. It’s a small and tight family. For example, the artist Julie Yülle and I collaborated on ‘Specimens’, which is a mix of my drawings and her colorful paper cut-outs. I really love working with other artists; the result is always so surprising.

Do you have a specialization?

I would say drawing, because that is always the first step in my work. My artistic process always starts with hand-drawn illustrations with fine tip pens or India ink. I can’t see myself doing anything else but drawing. As a kid, I was drawing everywhere, even on walls. My mother always encouraged it and let me express myself that way. Drawing relaxes me; it clears my mind and helps me to focus my energy.

What is your creative process?

I don’t think about it too much—I just draw everything I see around me. Sometimes, I enjoy creating themes. A few years ago, I focused on my friends and family’s pets. Then, when I lost my mother in 2014, I drew body parts as I felt the need to reconstruct her body through drawing; it was like therapy to me.

Do you work a lot?

Yes, I draw every day; it’s a vital necessity for me. The problem is that I don’t know how to stop, because it’s my passion. I find it hard to set limits, but the weekends are set aside for my personal life. That’s when I take the time to let loose, relax, clear my mind and spend time with family and friends.