Original Source: www.lefigaro.fr
The intricate craft of stained glass, especially within historical contexts like Notre-Dame de Paris, is a delicate balance between preservation and innovation. Flavie Serrière Vincent-Petit exemplifies a modern approach to this ancient art form, intertwining technical knowledge with a profound appreciation for the spirituality and history embedded within glassworks. As part of a renewed vision for Notre-Dame, her work aims not only to restore but also to revitalise the cathedral’s character through contemporary artistry, demonstrating that the essence of stained glass is timeless, transcending the centuries from its medieval origins to present-day scientific advancements.
In the enchanting world of stained glass, Flavie Serrière Vincent-Petit stands out as a contemporary alchemist, melding ancient crafts with cutting-edge nanotechnology. At the age of 51, she leads a restoration and creation workshop in Troyes, her beloved hometown. As one of the final eight candidates selected to design modern stained glass for the much-anticipated reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris, she embodies a profound passion for the synthesis of art, history, and science, drawn to the interplay of light and colour that defines her masterpieces.
After participating in the meticulous restoration of Notre-Dame’s historic glass following the devastating fire of 2019, Flavie engages deeply with the stories behind each piece, striving to preserve the artist’s original intent. Her art is an expressive dialogue between the intellectual and the spiritual. Crafting new works, she experiments with a kaleidoscope of materials and techniques, blending traditional artistry with elemental science to breathe fresh life into sacred spaces. Flavie views her creative process as a journey of discovery, where every project is an opportunity to forge new connections with the world around her.
Her love for nature is reflected in her work, rich with floral motifs that resonate with her agrarian roots. Growing up near the land, her designs are imbued with an organic essence that captures the transient beauty of the natural world. Flavie’s artistic journey began at 14, inspired by a serendipitous internship under master glazier Alain Vinum, who awakened a deep-seated fascination with the marriage of history, art, and science.
Educated in medieval history and conservation, she pursues her quest for knowledge with relentless enthusiasm. This juxtaposition of past and present fuels her artistic vision, crafting stained glass works that bridge centuries and cultures. Flavie’s creations are syncretic, honouring timeless techniques while forging an innovative path. Her explorations have taken her from the serene landscapes of rural France to the bustling metropolis of New York, where she contributed to luxurious projects for the renowned Tiffany.
Christophe Couteau, a professor in nanotechnology, admires Flavie’s unique ability to intertwine conservation with imaginative creation, advocating for a holistic and scientific approach. Flavie’s understanding of how colour interacts with light reveals an alchemical process akin to turning the mundane into the divine. In her angelic creations, such as the magnificent glass curtain in a 16th-century parish, she transforms the ephemeral into the eternal, leaving both the heart and soul forever changed by the luminous dance of her art.
