In this era of global warming, and all the regulations for which humanity is largely responsible, nature has never been so much at the center of our attention. Living in harmony with it, and the renewed awareness of our full belonging to the living world, compel us to observe, in a new and at the very least different way, the other kingdoms with which we share the planet—especially the plant kingdom, so essential to our life on earth.
Rather than simply taking advantage, let us share; rather than exploiting and depleting, let us nurture; let us wisely use all the riches offered to us, taking care to preserve them for the future of those who will come after us. Artisans are among those, alongside farmers, who perhaps best respected these principles of good stewardship toward living things—at least until the mid-20th century and the rise of consumerism in our so-called civilized countries.
It is urgent that we reclaim these values of living well together, of cultivating beauty without degrading this nature that is both unique and so precious. Rather than simply reclaiming it, let us imitate it, enhance it, redraw it, reinvent it—why not even augment it with our genius, as the greatest artists have done since antiquity. This “Singular Nature” is the theme we have chosen for the 5th edition of De Mains De Maîtres, to be held from November 20 to 23, 2025—a highly topical subject that we hope will inspire all our artisans, whether they are ceramists, glassmakers, wood or stone sculptors, weavers, cabinetmakers… exceptional creators, all alchemists of beautiful materials.
Let us hope that this 5th edition, which is being prepared under the best auspices with our guest of honor, the Czech Republic, will be a source of inspiration and self-surpassing for all art artisans and creators, and for our ever-growing public, a moment of surprises and discoveries around a showcase of exceptional works.
