Dominique Lutringer In The Studio
My studios are places to experiment, to explore, and to create. I spend most of my time immersed in creation. Each one has its own atmosphere, its specific light, and a rhythm that shapes my process. They are spaces of quiet dialogue between materials and ideas, where intuition and intention intertwine to bring each piece to life. In these studios, the boundaries between work and reflection blur
What inspires you?
My inspiration come, on one hand, from observing elements of nature that I find in garden, Okuderain Kyoto is one of my favorite. Architecture is also a foundation for my work, with the reference to the traditional Japanese window integrated into a house or a tea room serving as the catalyst for my exploration of the grid.
Describe your creative process.
Experimentation is at the heart of my creative process. Using natural pigments, green tea, washi paper, charcoal, and oil sticks, I layer textures onto sturdy surfaces like heavy paper or wood panels. Each layer remains visible, contributing to a depth that invites closer inspection,. This method of accumulation and transparency mirrors the complexity of my themes, where every detail adds to the narrative.
Who are some artists that have influenced your work?
Among the many creators I continue to "engage with," I would mention Matisse, of course, the artist of my early years. Photographers such as Saul Leiter and Ishimoto Yasuhiro also inspire me—two artists who worked on visual minimalism and a continuous dialogue between form and space. Minimalist movements like Dansaekhwa also influence my work. I am particularly interested in the approach of the German artist Gunther Forg.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
"Never let a day go by without going to your studio. Even if you have no idea or desire to work, just do something. Don't wait for ideas to come or overthink-create, practice, and you'll find that ideas and energy will follow." This advice was given to me by an older fellow artist when I started my artistic journey. I never forgot it.
What are 3 words that best describe your work?
