Veronique Marmet

I was born in Switzerland in 1969. I discovered painting at the age of 16. My father recognized my creative spirit and decided to give me his painting equipment. Fascinated by the texture and brightness of oil
paints, I slowly began my journey of becoming a painter. At the age of 19 I left Switzerland to travel abroad where my work would blossom into a new way of life.

Having a studio helped me explore materials  (sand, cement, earth, and pigments), to express myself. In my research I took ceramic classes with Anne Campiche in Lutry for 2 years and finally in 1999, I realized a childhood's dream: sculpture, followed up with training by David D'Ambrosio in stone sculpting in the South of France.

Summer 2002 I attended a metal workshop with Lewis Hofmann.
Totally fascinated by this new material, I am now learning how to weld, forge etc...without stopping my research in paintings. Metal is a very different and hard thing for me to learn. It is exactly the opposite of stone sculpture...

The media can accurately document what is happening in the world today. History books can tell us exactly what happened and when. But only Art can clearly demonstrate the way we felt when it happened.

Why Metal, why Rust

Metals account for about two-thirds of all the elements and about 24% of the mass of the planet. They are all around us. As with all elements, metals are composed of atoms. The strength of this material suggests that these atoms are held together by strong bonds in a
similar way people are stronger when united and bonded tightly together.

Everyday, we create functionnal objects using metal. We extract and then manipulate it for our needs, to provide protection and shelter, for transportation and the efficient transfer of energy. It is one of the main backbones of our contemporary society, yet it has been here long before us, in its original state.

In the same manner humans have learned from the finding of dinosaur bones, we will continue to find information from discovered metal skeletons.

I believe that metal, like people, if discarded, mistreated, unneeded or unloved, will develop scars and wounds. Metal with a purpose that is continuously maintained and nurtured has a happier future and an
extended lifetime. If not care for, it will become vulnerable and in danger of contracting a disease. The disease will manifest itself in a physical way. The metal will bleed and cry. It will RUST.

Transferring deposits of rust directly onto my canvas is in fact dealing intimately with this inner pain! Through observation my work is intended to evoke emotions that are personal to me, and yet also
universal.