About
A creative studio
born from beauty
BAU is a creative studio founded by Catherine Bouvier Auffray, who designs artistic objects (objects, lighting, furniture…) where each composition enters into dialogue with the space that receives it.
BAU
BAU grew out of Catherine's practice — she is also the founder of Bulles & Taille-crayon, an interior design and architecture studio. BAU expresses an intention: to experiment, to create singular objects and to give materials a special role in staging spaces through the uniqueness of each work.
The name combines the initials of Bouvier Auffray — B for Bouvier, AU for AUffray — with a nod to the French word for "beautiful": beau.
The approach
Structure and sensitivity
Each creation is a form of research. A way of exploring textures, contrasts, imperfections and transformations. Materials can be raw or refined, matte or shiny, smooth or textured; colour can settle, layer, and reveal itself in contact with light.
Through unique pieces, small series and collaborations, BAU develops a vocabulary where structure meets sensitivity, geometry meets organic forms, rigour meets intuition.
BAU will evolve through new experimentations, new materials and new collaborations.
Ceramics a laboratory for creation
One language among many
Ceramics hold a particular place in this research today.
They allow BAU to explore volume, surface, colour and light simultaneously. Forms are conceived as compositions, sometimes architectural, sometimes organic. The work with glazes becomes a true form of writing: transparencies, layering, surface effects, colour variations and the reactions of fire all contribute to each piece's identity.
Some works take the form of wall compositions, others become objects or elements of furniture. Ceramics are not seen as an end in themselves, but as one language among many for bringing singular objects into being.
"To create beauty, but above all to seek what makes it singular."
— Catherine Bouvier Auffray —
Let's discuss a creation