Sylvain Gautier was born in 1986 in Toulouse in the south of France.

As a child, he discovered woodworking in his father’s workshop, which is where his passion took its root. After his first studies in multimedia, he worked as a freelance graphic designer for several years.

In 2013, he decided to take a step back and embarked on a long journey through several countries in Oceania and Asia. In French Polynesia, he experiences a decisive moment in his artistic career by having the chance to swim with humpback whales. This meeting and the grace of these mammals have a noticeable effect on him.

In 2018, back in France, Sylvain feels the need to create more tangible things with his hands. He decides to study cabinetmaking by integrating the institute of arts and crafts in Revel. He discovers the gestures and knowledge of the trade for several months alongside an experienced craftsman. During this apprenticeship he does an internship with the company “La Machine” in Nantes, where he participates in the manufacture of the “Dragon of Calais”. Inspired by these giant machines, he teaches himself woodcarving and creates his first whale automaton.

He graduates in 2019.

The following year, Sylvain is hired by the National Opera of Toulouse as a cabinet and prop maker. He is responsible for the manufacture of furniture and sets for several operas. It is there that he discovers a fascination for the backstage of performing arts.

At the same time, he develops his passion for woodcarving. Animated or still, his pieces mainly represent the marine world. World to which he gives an important place in his imagination.

Sylvain is also keen to share his creative process, with a precise look and an aesthetic sense. It is through video and photography that he documents his creative process that he publishes on the internet.

The theme of his work, his practice of diving and his support for various organisations, testify his desire to protect and preserve the ocean and its biodiversity.