Julie Barbeau – Art embroiderer

Pays de la Loire – 1996

Julie Barbeau, art embroiderer, started her career with studies in design and applied arts. It was at 17, during an embroidery training course and thanks to a revealing internship at the Safrane Cortambert haute couture workshop, that her passion for this art was confirmed. She continued her education with a DMA in Textile in Rochefort, specializing in gold embroidery, while also developing her contemporary perspective on the medium. At the same time, she expanded her skills by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in photography.  Drawing on her dual expertise, she creates embroidered paintings inspired by the geometric abstractions of Vasarely, the light play of Man Ray, and the minimalism of the Bauhaus.

Julie Barbeau masters Lunéville hook embroidery, a main technique used in haute couture workshops.

In 2019, she founded her eponymous studio, where she merges her contemporary artistic identity with traditional embroidery techniques acquired in the luxury industry. Her work is directed towards the art, luxury, and interior design industries.

2023 – Research Endowment, ADAGP (Society of Authors in the Graphic and Plastic Arts)

2023 – Les Mains d’Or, CMA des Pays de la Loire

2022 – Coup de cœur du jury, Challenge de projets – Pays de la Loire Culture Entrepreneurship Forum

Research and innovation

Using embroidery, Julie Barbeau explores optical phenomena and light, inspired by design history. Her creations, applied to architectural projects, include decorative wall frescoes and 3D decorative sculptures. She exclusively uses 100% French raw materials, selected based on ecological, ethical, and responsible principles. These materials notably include textiles crafted in Ariège from linen, hemp, and reclaimed cotton.

Transmission

Julie wishes to create an innovative pedagogical approach to transmit her know-how. She aims to promote a modern vision of embroidery, moving beyond its traditional aspects.

She is soliciting the Foundation’s support for the acquisition of a cutting workbench and an embroidery machine, both essential for the execution of her craft.

© Gilles Leimdorfer