We are delighted to introduce our client, artist Jannick Deslauriers. As part of a new coat sculpture project, the artist called on Vestechpro. Learn about her inspirations and the techniques she uses.

Understanding Jannick Deslauriers’ Work

What are your sources of inspiration?

My work explores the realms of disappearance, death, catastrophe, destruction, ghostly appearance, or even dematerialization, often expressed using textile materials. The goal is to add a hollow, and unreal aspect to the work.

How do you conduct your research? What is your starting point?

Most of my research is done on the Internet, by reading essays on ghosts, for example, or examining black and white photos from the 19th century depicting ectoplasms or supernatural phenomena. This allows me to synthesize collected images and create my own sculptured version.

What materials and techniques do you use?

I use various materials such as burnt wood and ash, snow, vinyl, and a lot of textiles with threads, tulle, wood, nylon, and silk. For more recent projects, I have used faux fur, plastic wrappers and bags, and even medical equipment.
I sew together textiles and damage the fabric by covering it with snow and burning it, and wool is also melted. For my recent coat project, I wanted to create a transparent envelope made of vinyl and used specific Vestechpro equipment in order to weld the plastic, which allowed me to embed ash in it.

Why did you choose these components for your work?

I chose these materials because they are delicate and translucent (silk and tulle); plastic vinyl creates a protective envelope.

Medical equipment is surely an echo of current social distancing and questions related to limiting physical boundaries between individuals. The materials are part of the message I want to convey. I used packaging and plastic bags in the pink project to showcase overconsumption.

Where did you get the idea of “wearing trouble”? Transitioning to “wearable works”?

I’ve always used the body of human presence, of the ghost. I tried to represent plaster bodies, but the result was not conclusive. I preferred to imagine a garment that could be worn by real bodies. Happenings or performances can bring work to life through contemporary dance, for example.

Art and Innovation

What is your definition / vision of innovation?

Artists create things that don’t exist, so by definition, they’re innovating all the time. We start with an idea without knowing where it will lead us.

Do you believe that funding can be an impediment to innovation?

Yes, financing becomes a reality over time. It’s a challenge to do as much as possible with as little as possible. However, demonstrating innovation without great means allows you to create amazing and powerful works.

How can one innovate?

Get out of your comfort zone! Work in your studio and create an ecosystem of inspiration, conduct tests and experiments, keep exploring new techniques, and of course, nurture yourself.

Do you see Vestechpro as a resource for the development of your work?

It’s definitely a great find. All this equipment and clothing expertise is a real source of inspiration for future projects. In particular, I’m thinking of 3D pattern modeling to create digital clothing works.

Thank you to Jannick for participating in this interview. We are delighted to have been able to help her with her project and look forward to participating in future expressions of her art which skillfully blends clothing and technology.

Would you like to learn more about Jannick Deslauriers’ work? Visit her website

Portrait of Artist Jannick Deslauriers