For the very first time in Pepin's history (OK, we're only 3 years old, but still), we've co-created an Olla with an artist 🧑🎨
We gave Camille Gressier, an illustrator we adore, with her colourful, floral and maximalist universe, free rein to design our new Olla.
We're so proud to present this sparkling collaboration ✨ A unique Olla, in limited edition, available now in our shop.
And to dive even deeper into Camille's world, we visited her at home in Paris, so she could tell us about her inspirations, her artistic choices and her life as an illustrator and co-founder of the botany magazine Blumenhaus.
The photo interview is available here.
Pepin X Camille Gressier, a colourful Olla that will make all your other plants jealous
Juliette: Can you tell us about your artistic universe and, if you had to describe it in three words?
Camille: I would say my universe is maximalist, very colourful and floral.
Juliette: How did illustration enter your life?
Camille: I've always drawn, and my mother used to say I woke up and went to bed with a pencil in my hand. I really considered making it my profession when it came to choosing a course of study. I studied graphic design at a school of applied arts, and drawing has always been at the heart of my creative process. But it was about seven years ago that I really started showing my work.
Juliette: I imagine you're often asked this question, given your illustrations, but why tigers?
Camille: This passion came at a moment when I needed it. I needed strength, courage, and that's exactly what the tiger symbolises. I really love this symbolism, a bit like a protective amulet, and I think that's also what appeals to people.
Juliette: I can see you have a lot of artisanal objects at home, little objects that seem to have a story. Do they hold a special place for you?
Camille: Yes, absolutely! I love surrounding myself with objects I find beautiful. Some come from travels, others were given to me, and others were found at flea markets or bought from artists. They create a kind of cocoon of inspiration for me. Many have no great material value, but they have an immense sentimental value.
Juliette: Among these objects, is there one you're particularly attached to, a special object you'd like to show us?
Camille: Yes, I'm thinking of this little box. It's a vintage Japanese incense box I found online. I was immediately smitten with this object. I find it adorable and beautiful. You can see it's been repaired several times, re-enamelled, and that's precisely what appeals to me.
Juliette: And finally, a question more related to our activities, that is to say plants. What is your relationship with them?
Camille: I love plants, I find them fascinating, but I have to admit I'm not the best at looking after them. Even with a botany magazine, you might think I have green fingers, but I can be very clumsy with them. That's actually why our collaboration around the Olla is perfect for me!
