Behind the scenes at Majuno
Nathalie Chaulaic is a one-of-a-kind mosaicist. She defines herself a researcher who creates unique eggshell compositions, diverting it from its prime function.
Her work is inspired by “Rankaku”, an Asian technique that she discovered in Thailand. Said technique –which she perfectly masters– gives the material a nice play of lights and allows nature to step in our homes. Carved respecting their natural convex shape, eggshells are often painted black and always enhanced with colorful glass paste.
For Majuno, she devised two entirely distinct eggshell mosaics.
Why did you choose to craft eggshell mosaics?
It was a long process. I lived several lives before reaching this point. I began crafting traditional mosaics made of marble and glass pastes in 2005; and ten years ago, I discovered “Rankaku". I like the technique’s aesthetic as well as its recycling aspect. Besides, I work with a local pastry chef who supplies me with two buckets of eggshells every week. As soon as they are cleaned and sterilized, the magic happens.
How did you approach Majuno’s project?
I designed the two pieces in my Saint-Léon-based workshop, near Toulouse, were I settled twenty years ago. The crocodile skin pattern allows me to transform the eggshell material into another, to create an animal material… without using an animal.
I mixed Venetian glass pastes and eggshells in order to conceive a more classical project, even though the black and gold combination is not that sober.
Restraints, brittleness, crafting time:
Entre 4 et 5 semaines pour 1 m2 – supports verticaux conseillés même si les coquilles sont remplies de mortier colle qui apporte de la résistance. OK pour tête de lit, paravent, façade de meuble, ou surface plane mais sans rien poser dessus.