Gypsum, also known as selenite crystal, has appeared in many of our updates within the past year. The growing attention for the mineral-based material is not undeserving. Jean-Paul Viollet attributes this to its “very visually active” appearance and a distinctly opaque composition, which reflects light in a manner that accentuates the veins. Such texture highlights a roughness that nods towards its natural state prior to a workshop finishing, as seen below. Here, slabs of gypsum lie in a New Mexico quarry. The illusion of a frozen window on a winter’s day seems all too distant for this desert-bred mineral.
Seen in Jean-Paul and Sandrine’s recent visit to the gypsum quarry earlier this year, the tranquil desert environment compliments the material. Born in a dry, sunny stillness, selenite maintains these subtle qualities alongside other materials when combined to fabricate works of furniture and interiors. Atelier Viollet is currently completing several exciting projects in gypsum and look forward to sharing these creations in the coming months.
