Sylvain Gautier

“Trees, the more you know them the less you want to cut them down.”

Baptiste GAUTIER – 2018

Sylvain Gautier was born in 1986 in Toulouse, France.

As a child, he discovered woodworking in his father’s workshop, the place where his passion first took root. Following initial studies in multimedia, he worked for several years as a freelance graphic designer.

Over time, he began to feel a lack of purpose in his work. 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 experienced a defining moment in his artistic journey when he had the opportunity to swim with humpback whales. This encounter, and the grace of these mammals, left a profound impact on him.

In 2018, back in France, he felt the need to create more tangible things with his own hands. He decided to pursue training in cabinetmaking by joining the Revel Institute of Arts and Crafts. There, he learned the techniques and know-how of the trade for several months alongside an experienced craftsman. During this apprenticeship he participated in the construction of the giant machine “The Dragon of Calais” created by the company “La Machine” in Nantes. Inspired by these moving artworks, he taught himself woodcarving and created his first whale automaton.

He graduated in 2019.

The following year, Sylvain was hired by the Opéra National du Capitole de Toulouse as a cabinetmaker and prop maker. He was responsible for crafting furniture and sets for several operas.

Alongside this, he continued to develop his woodcarving practice. Whether animated or static, his pieces primarily depict the marine world, a realm that holds a significant place in his imagination.

Sylvain is also dedicated to sharing his creative process, approaching it with a keen eye and a refined aesthetic sensibility. Through video and photography, he documents his creative process, sharing it with a large community on the internet.

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