Wall Liquor Cabinet by Frédérique Domergue, One-of-a-kind, Contemporary

Over nearly 20 years, French artist Frédérique Domergue has created a unique body of work based on combinations of metal and rare wood species. She learned traditional woodworking and metalworking techniques from master artisans, and quickly developed her own skillful approaches, especially metal cladding which has become her hallmark.

Frédérique Domergue uses thin sheets of metal that hug the contours of the wood (which she sometimes sculpts beforehand) to create a “second skin”. The artist creates astonishing effects by transforming metal into a material that appears supple and elastic.

She draws on her extensive expertise with a wide range of metals (bronze, zinc, titanium, steel, etc.) to achieve surprising results. She sometimes uses oxidation techniques that lend sheets of zinc or bronze warm, sensual hues that shift with the light.

Her entirely hand-made pieces take on a patina over time as the unexpected alchemy of the materials reveals an array of subtle, distinguished tones. The passion that drives her, the curiosity that propels her toward new worlds and the care she brings to finishing her pieces have enabled Frédérique Domergue to produce a singular oeuvre that allies excellence, innovation, esthetics and audacity.