A piece of driftwood is never just a piece of driftwood for Mireille Louviot-Kilanowski. Shaped by currents, wind and time, it already carries a story within it. Where others might see a branch washed ashore, she perceives a line, a movement, sometimes even the presence of an animal waiting to emerge.
Presented at Art Riviera Tour 2026, her work reflects a deep respect for nature. Rather than transforming the material, she extends what it already suggests.
Letting the Wood Lead the Way
Each sculpture begins with a piece of driftwood collected during one of the artist’s walks along rivers, lakes or the seashore. She observes it carefully before gradually revealing the form that seems to be hidden within.
A seahorse emerges from a root polished by water. The natural curves of a branch become the tentacles of an octopus. Nothing is forced. Every gesture follows the movement of the wood instead of imposing a new one.
This approach gives her sculptures a remarkable sense of authenticity. They appear less created than discovered.
When Driftwood Meets Ceramics
For more than twenty-five years, Mireille Louviot-Kilanowski has combined driftwood with ceramics. The ceramic elements do not conceal the original material; instead, they extend its story.
Using the raku firing technique, she brings light, depth and contrast to each sculpture. The crackled glazes, deep reds and luminous whites interact with the grain of the wood, enhancing its history rather than erasing it.
The result is a subtle dialogue between two materials, balancing the strength of wood with the delicacy of ceramics.
An Invitation to See Nature Differently
Mireille Louviot-Kilanowski’s work reminds us that nature already contains extraordinary forms. Her sculptures encourage viewers to slow down, observe more closely and rediscover a sense of wonder in the smallest details.
Her artistic philosophy is perfectly summed up in one sentence:
“I do not create the form; I reveal it. The wood shows me the way.”
These few words capture the essence of her approach to sculpture.
Discover Mireille Louviot-Kilanowski in ART MAG Issue 33
For Art Riviera Tour 2026, ART MAG has dedicated a special feature to eleven artists invited by Multi Art Gallery to exhibit in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Through exclusive articles, the magazine explores their artistic journeys, inspirations and creative approaches.
Mireille Louviot-Kilanowski holds a distinctive place within this selection. Her sculptures remind us that art is not always about invention; sometimes it is about revealing what time, nature and a sensitive eye have already begun to shape.
Read also : Art Riviera Tour: The 11 Artists Honoured by ART MAG
FAQ
Mireille Louviot-Kilanowski is a French sculptor who has spent more than twenty-five years creating works that combine driftwood and ceramics. Inspired by nature, she develops a poetic bestiary featuring seahorses, octopuses and other living creatures.
What is Mireille Louviot-Kilanowski’s artistic approach?
Rather than imposing a shape on the material, the artist follows the natural lines, curves and textures of driftwood to reveal the animal she believes is already present within it. As she explains: “I do not create the form; I reveal it. The wood shows me the way.”
Which materials does Mireille Louviot-Kilanowski use?
Her sculptures primarily combine driftwood and ceramics. The ceramic elements, created using the traditional raku technique, add colour, texture and relief while preserving the natural character of the wood.
Why do animals play such an important role in her work?
Animals naturally emerge from the shapes already found in the driftwood. Seahorses, octopuses and birds are not reproduced realistically; they gradually reveal themselves from the material, inviting viewers to see nature through a different perspective.
Where can you discover Mireille Louviot-Kilanowski’s work?
Her sculptures are presented at Art Riviera Tour 2026, organised by Multi Art Gallery in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. She is also featured in ART MAG Issue 33, which highlights eleven contemporary artists taking part in the event.
Why is ART MAG featuring Mireille Louviot-Kilanowski?
Through this series of articles, ART MAG shines a light on the artists of Art Riviera Tour 2026 by exploring their artistic vision, inspirations and creative journeys. Mireille Louviot-Kilanowski’s work embodies a unique approach to sculpture in which nature itself becomes the starting point for creation, perfectly reflecting the editorial spirit of the magazine.
