This summer, Wall Space Gallery welcomed L.L.Y. Atelier to our curated selection of Canadian jewellers, bringing the sculptural jewellery of Agathe Bodineau into the gallery.
Rooted in a fascination with form and material, Agathe’s work occupies an intriguing space between jewellery, sculpture, and design. Her pieces explore organic shapes and subtle, unexpected details, inviting a closer look while remaining deeply connected to the experience of wearing them.
In the following conversation, Wall Space’s Jewellery Curator, Moira Power, speaks with Agathe about her evolving practice, the influences behind her work, and the intuitive process through which her jewellery takes form. From her approach to sustainable, small-scale production to the role of experimentation in her practice, Agathe shares some of the ideas that continue to shape L.L.Y. Atelier.
Agathe Bodineau working in her studio. Photograph by Clara Lacasse.
Moira Power: Can you tell us a little about yourself? What first drew you to jewellery creation?
Agathe Bodineau: I’m Agathe Bodineau, a designer and silversmith. I have a background in fine arts and came to jewellery somewhat organically about twelve years ago. I was initially drawn to metalwork through my interest in sculpture and objects; discovering metal as a material was incredibly satisfying to me, and I just never stopped.
Over time, jewellery became my main practice, and L.L.Y. Atelier developed as a line, but also as an artisan project. More recently, I’ve expanded into objects and homewares, which has allowed me to work at different scale while continuing to explore the same relationship between form, material and functionality. I love the idea that the pieces can become part of someone’s everyday life, whether they’re worn on the body or integrated into the home.
Power: How has your background in fine arts influenced your jewellery practice?
Bodineau: I think my background in fine arts influences how I make and present my work in a very meaningful way. I create shapes and pieces, but I also like to imagine and build a whole visual world around each collection, and really think about how the work is photographed and presented as an extension of the pieces themselves. Art direction is a big part of my practice: the feel may change from one collection to another, but there is always an intention to create a story or a world around the pieces in a very sincere and thoughtful way.
Also, because I’m self-taught and learned jewellery largely on my own, experimentation – and failure – became a really important part of my process. It led me to discover interesting techniques and ways of working that I might not have encountered otherwise, and eventually helped me develop my own visual language.
L.L.Y. Atelier, Star Cuff and Brassica Earrings, sterling silver.
Power: Where do you draw inspiration from in your work? Are there themes, forms, or ideas that you find yourself returning to again and again?
Bodineau: Inspiration very much comes from natural forms, especially since I moved from the city to the countryside about a year ago, which has been a big change. I’ve always been drawn to organic, slightly ambiguous forms, geological elements and aquatic shapes, but now that I’m more in contact with nature in my everyday life, I find myself looking at things more intently. I do, however, like my pieces to remain abstract rather than represent a specific element. I’m interested in forms that might feel familiar or evoke something from the natural world without being immediately identifiable. I also draw inspiration from architecture and objects, natural history, and visual arts.
Power: What does your creative process look like, from the initial idea to the finished piece?
Bodineau: My process is very intuitive and material-based. I rarely begin with a resolved idea, and I never sketch or draw. I use the lost-wax process, working directly in wax and allowing the form to develop through making. This leaves room for unexpected things to happen. Some pieces happen quickly, while others go through many versions and adjustments before they feel right.
Once I’m satisfied with a prototype, it goes into casting, followed by finishing, soldering and polishing. The transition from wax to metal is always exciting, and it’s often only then that I can fully decide whether a piece works aesthetically and functionally. Sometimes a piece can be beautiful but simply not work for technical reasons, like weight or balance. So while the process can be immediate and intuitive, it also requires patience to go through each step and see how the piece ultimately translates into metal.
Bodineau: Yes, I can't see myself working in any other way. My jewellery is designed and produced in my studio in Hemmingford and cast with a local foundry in Montréal, which allows production to remain small and closely connected. Working locally with suppliers and foundries also means less transportation and allows me work with sustainability in mind. It does come with some costs, but I’ve learned to see those constraints as creative parameters rather than obstacles. Being a bit further from the city now, I think a lot about being intentional in my work and keep the entire practice at a human scale.
Agathe Bodineau working in her studio. Photograph by Clara Lacasse.Power: What made partnering with our gallery feel like the right fit for your work, and what excites you most about sharing this collection with our visitors?
Bodineau: I’m always interested in presenting the work in contexts that are multidisciplinary and allow for a dialogue between different creative practices. Because my pieces exist somewhere between craft, design and art, a gallery feels like a particularly natural environment for them. I also really appreciate that Wall Space Gallery has a focus on Canadian artists and makers, which allows the work to be part of a broader conversation around contemporary Canadian craft and design.
Power: Is there one piece in this collection that you’re especially excited for people to discover? What story does it tell?
Bodineau: I really like the Talon Ear Cuff. It’s a statement piece that may look a little intimidating at first, but it has a strong presence while still feeling versatile and easy to wear. It can be dressed up and worn in a very refined way, or dressed down for everyday wear. I also find it surprisingly comfortable – it’s adjustable. I remember this piece coming together very easily and effortlessly during the design process, and it has always remained a personal favourite.
L.L.Y. Atelier, Talon Cuff and Torsion Ring, sterling silver.
Power: I completely agree! I love that piece as well. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your process and inspiration with us.
L.L.Y. Atelier jewellery is now available at Wall Space Gallery. Explore Agathe Bodineau’s sculptural, nature-inspired pieces and discover a new perspective on contemporary Canadian jewellery.
L.L.Y. Atelier | Jewellery Collection
Agathe Bodineau at her studio. Photograph by Clara Lacasse.