Arts and crafts Lot

Three potters' workshops and an exhibition space for ancient pottery retrace the age-old tradition of the village. Today, contemporary creations, as much utilitarian as decorative, take up the tradition and come to rub shoulders with the oldest pieces at the oulerie. The oule is an earthenware container that had three uses: the preservation of candied food, the hunting of pigeons and the protection of roofs with the finial. On the^4th Sunday of August, a big pottery fair is organized in Uzech.

Contemporary stained glass windows made in the studio by Leo Amery using a very traditional technique. You can visit the adjoining showroom and treat yourself to a stained glass window to put on a wall, like a canvas. He studied and taught stained glass at the Central School of Art and Design in London. In 1995, he developed a new technique for presenting stained glass, which he called "stained glass relief", and he regularly exhibits his work in art galleries. Art lovers, do not miss this address.

After an accident ending his career as a plâtrier carreleur, Serge Rames did not let himself go: He decided to restore life to forgotten tools. All have belonged to people he has known, most come from family ownership. So, with the blade of an axe that his father used, he made the base of a catamaran, bêche turn into African masks. His creations are sold at reasonable prices, far from the summits often enjoyed by contemporary artists.

Nearly a hundred artisans from the region and beyond are exhibiting their work. It is impossible not to leave with a small souvenir as these potteries attract the eye and the heart: decorated glazed terracotta, stoneware with salt or enamel, bowls, jugs, grease pots, vases, cache-pots, dinner services or stewpots. Here pottery is declined between utilitarian and artistic, it is the address to go to for gifts of character always appreciated or to please oneself. Between tradition and modernity, here you are in pottery paradise!

Magalie Moulin specializes in the restoration of rural heritage and uses the technique of traditional stained glass to create contemporary works. In her workshop and spacious store in Gramat, she is surrounded by numerous glass plates to work on and her creations. A passionate and dedicated artist, she makes her know-how available to public institutions, architects and conservation associations. In 2014, she was awarded the first departmental prize of the Lot in the Restoration and Conservation specialty.

Norbert Botella, a ceramist, has opened a workshop-gallery just outside Luzech where he presents his work, but also that of his artist friends. The gallery is large, bright and allows you to discover the art of ceramics in many forms, thanks to the very diverse talents of the artists exhibited. It is adjacent to the workshop where Norbert Botella shares his passion with trainees who wish to learn this practice. Why not you?

Passionate about painting, monumental arts, architecture and light, Clementine Halleux learned the trade of glass painter in 1987 in Charente. She worked for a long time in many prestigious workshops before starting her own business in 1997 and opening her own workshop in Frayssinhes in 2013. She has worked on the restoration and creation of stained glass in several churches, monuments and private places in Occitania and also realizes engraving on glass.

A unique and original work by Audrey Rogers is like a magic recipe: a good base of know-how and expertise, quality materials, added to her creativity and love for the craft. She also offers her services in the restoration of stained glass windows of heritage (churches, chapels...) while preserving as much as possible the original pieces to keep the spirit of the stained glass alive. If you wish to learn the art of stained glass, do not hesitate to contact her, she organizes courses and workshops all year long.

In a small village in the Lot, Mathieu has been a cutler for sixteen years. He is the creator of the Bourian, a rustic, modern yet practical, sturdy and elegant Piedmontese knife, made of various noble woods. This enthusiast has also started to create many unique pieces in his image, according to his desires of the moment. You can find his creations on line and on the markets of the region. Do you have worn out or outdated knives or tools to renovate? Entrust them to Mathieu, he will transform them for you to look like new!

Created in 1993, the company has been recognized for its know-how in natural stone for over 30 years. Using marble, granite and composite for kitchen and bathroom creations, Occitanie Pierres also uses natural limestone shaped on site for its many other creations. The company designs paving stones, pavers, terraces, walls, facings but also swimming pools, beaches, fireplaces, stairs, fountains, pillars, balusters... all delivered in France and abroad.

Claire Dubosclard is a ceramics artist who is already well known to Cajarc locals: in fact, she has transformed her former boutique Les Jolies Choses into a workshop-boutique to showcase her pottery creations, unique models that she makes on site. Opening in 2023, L'Atelier de Claire invites other French artisans, often from the Lot or Aveyron regions, to showcase their creations. Jewelry, soaps and ceramics: new items are added regularly. Claire also offers workshops for the public to discover her practice.

Pascale Masera displays her porcelain creations in her Cajarc boutique. Together with her colleague Francis Capapé, also a ceramist, she presents unique pieces: delicate tableware, elegant egg-shaped lighting and tableware. Both artists work in the studio at the back of the store. Their styles complement each other perfectly. All in all, this is an address to discover for original art porcelain, entirely hand-crafted by passionate ceramists.