The work of Jean Octobon can be read in his hands, blackened by metal. Aluminum and steel flow in his veins. Just like his grandfather, once a blacksmith boilermaker, Jean is drawn towards these metals that he likes to bend. From his father, a French drawing professor, he inherits a passion for the arts. He goes on to study Visual Arts and Art History while cultivating his interests for architecture, technology and industrial mechanics.
Child of the Niçard lands, it is only a few steps from the sea that he opens his first workshop. The field of design is not yet highlighted by TV and other media when Jean Octobon first challenges himself to create beautiful and useful objects. He sketches, conceptualizes and crafts unique pieces. His independence is complete and necessary to him, as he simply does not accept to compromise the quality of his work. Quickly, his staircases, fireplaces and other works move into some of the French Riviera’s most beautiful villas.
His reputation grows as do his aspirations, and a sculptor evolves from the metal worker. In 2013, Jean decides to dedicate himself entirely to his passion. Sculptures replace metallic architecture projects in his workshop. He finally gives birth to the works that were long taking shape in his imagination.
Enabled by out of the ordinary know-how and supreme execution, his work radiates enjoyment and grants him evident success. His ideas, executed without any hesitation, come to life through his extraordinary technical mastership. They are the outcome of a promise he made to himself upon celebrating his 45th birthday: “Now is the time – I’m going for it!”.
Jean Octobon’s sculptures are inspired by and reminiscent of his adolescence, his roots, his vintage culture, his Western heroes, Belmondo’s smile, Starky’s jacket, 007’s gadgets…
All in the key of fantasy and derision. The BANG-BANG series is a journey through his universe: giant “guns” and real-sized toys in pop colors are a sentimental subject and object which Jean finds perfect for technical, mechanical and sculptural self-expression.
He plans each work for execution, machining and mechanical assembly before sculpting and giving shape, by hand, to the materials that compose it. As would a stone sculptor, he cuts, files, removes and grinds the metal of his “guns” until he obtains the lines, volumes, curves and surfaces he seeks.
Jean Octobon’s sculptures breathe and smell like metal and the pursuit of perfection.
