Interview

Written By Editorial Team

Valerie Carmet

Valerie Carmet is a French-American Pop Art assemblage artist and art educator based between Miami and NYC. Born in France, she moved to the United States in 1989 and began working in the New York’s fashion scene. Her mathematical instincts and her skills led her to start her artistic path in 1995, focusing on the creation of intricate mosaics. In 1998, she refined her skills at the Anandamali Studio in New York City where she created several mosaic murals and picassiette furniture. In 2004, she further developed her artistic talents by graduating from The Mosaic Art School in Italy.

Valerie has shared her expertise by teaching in several art programs in NYC public schools, and in 2004 she was selected to be part of the Children’s Museum of Art workshops, where she continues to inspire young minds through the world of art. In 2013, Valerie Carmet began her signature series, the ToyBox Collection, consisting of complex and meticulous sculptures made of recycled toys. What started as a way to upcycle her children’s abandoned toys, has since evolved into a method for repurposing discarded toys . She sources some of her material by collecting lost plastic toys from Miami beaches where she has resided since 2020. In the tradition of Dada and Pop art, the ToyBox Collection explores the boundary between art and everyday life. Valerie Carmet imbues supposedly innocent toys with new significance, transforming them into provocative and mischievous artworks. Using collective imagery linked to the formative years of our childhood, Valerie Carmet’s artworks divulge their depth upon closer inspection. Playfully addressing sensitive and controversial issues such as overconsumption, body representation, gun violence, war, gender equality, mental health and sexual freedom, the artist creates engaging and thought-provoking pieces. Over the past 20 years, Valerie Carmet has exhibited her work in group shows and major art fairs worldwide. She is represented by galleries in the United States, Europe, Asia and South America.

 

What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?

“From a young age, I felt an irresistible pull towards creativity. It was as though a quiet voice in my heart was telling me that I was destined to be an artist. However, my parents had reservations about this path due to concerns about the ‘starving artist’ stereotype, encouraging me instead to pursue a more stable career. As a result, I found myself enrolled in business school. Despite being surrounded by numbers and spreadsheets, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing- an outlet for my pent-up creativity. It was during this time that I discovered the world of fashion. Exciting and alluring, it seemed like the perfect fit, but eventually, I realized I had only scratched the surface of my creative potential. Taking a leap of faith around my thirties, I delved into various art forms-painting, sculpture, ceramics and more. Each medium offered a fresh adventure, allowing me to express myself in ways I had never imagined before and this is how I started my journey in the art world. Today, I'm deeply immersed in assemblage and Pop art, combining found objects with vivid colors to tell stories that are uniquely mine. This journey has been filled with peaks and valleys, but through it all, I've stayed true to the young girl who always knew she was meant to create. And now, after years of dedication and perseverance, I have reached a significant milestone in my journey as an artist: the ability to fully sustain myself through my art without needing supplementary employment. This accomplishment wasn't handed to me; rather, it’s the result of overcoming countless challenges and doubts.”

What inspires you?

“As I reflect on my journey as an artist, I find that many elements of my life have seamlessly woven themselves into my art, inspiring me and shaping it in profound ways. Growing up in a family where circumstances demanded me to shoulder adult responsibilities from a tender age, I missed out on the carefree joys of childhood that other kids experienced. While other children frolicked with toys or wandered the shores collecting seashells, I navigated a world that required me to mature beyond my years. Yet, as I tread through the landscapes of adulthood, a longing for the innocence and whimsy of youth began to stir within me. It was a late awakening, but one that sparked a transformative shift in my artistic expression. Embracing the notion of playfulness, I started infusing my art with the very toys I once yearned for as a child. These seemingly simple objects became portals through which I could explore complex and contentious topics that resonated deeply with me.”

What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?

“My art became more than just a medium for creativity; it became a powerful conduit for conversation and reflection on issues that are often relegated to the shadows. From the realities of gun violence and the horrors of war to the intricacies of gender equality, LGBTQIA rights, marriage, mental health, and sexuality, each piece I create serves as a bold declaration of my perspective on these contentious matters. In reclaiming the innocence of childhood through my art, I've discovered a newfound sense of liberation - a space where I can confront discomforting truths with courage and compassion. It's a journey of self-discovery and advocacy, where the lines between artist and activist blur, and where every assemblage or placement of a figurine carries the weight of my experiences and convictions.”

How would you describe your work?

“Having explored various disciplines within the art world, I would describe my work as Mixed Media Art with a focus on Pop Art-Assemblage. As artists, we often experience periods of multifaceted experimentation and transformation in our work. My journey has taken my art through numerous stages, utilizing diverse techniques and materials. Despite these changes, my work consistently revolves around a few core themes: a conscious effort to be aware of my environment, my carbon footprint, and my contribution to the physical and emotional wellbeing of the world. Ultimately, I hope my art serves as a reminder of our innocent childhood memories and highlights the role we play in shaping the future of the world.”

Which artists influence you most?

“There are many artists I look up to and get inspired by every day, whether through art books, museum and gallery visits, or even chance encounters on the streets. My main influences come from artists of the Pop Art era and Dadaism, such as Andy Warhol, Takashi Murakami, Ai Weiwei, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Salvador Dalí. These renowned figures have profoundly shaped my artistic perspective. Additionally, I draw inspiration from numerous emerging and established artists like Ran Hwang, Miles Aldridge, Lucio Carvalho, Jean-Michel Othoniel, Merzuca Dopazo, and many others. Their work continually motivates and influences my own creative journey.”

“My art became more than just a medium for creativity; it became a powerful conduit for conversation and reflection on issues that are often relegated to the shadows.”

What is your creative process like?

“What really drives my creative process isn't just about making it - it's the exciting journey of exploring materials before I even start creating. When I talk about exploring, I mean digging into raw and recycled stuff. It's in this process that ideas start popping up, leading to sketches, colors, and finally, a new piece of art that gets me excited. Every material I come across has its own story waiting to be told. It's like each one is a key that unlocks my imagination. When I get my hands on new recycled materials, it's like there's no limit to what I can create. This freedom pushes me to think outside the box and try new things. The inspiration for my creative process comes from my day-to-day life. My passion for mosaics is what got me started in my artistic career. I was a mosaicist for many years before transitioning into fine art and Pop Art. My kids' forgotten toys inspired my Pop Art ToyBox Collection. A walk on the beach inspired a seashells series. My fashion background is the inspiration for a new series of mine, currently in progress: "Art is Fashion - Fashion is Art". My belief in ecology and my awareness of my personal carbon footprint motivated me to use recycled materials, and my motto has become, "the trash of some is the art of others". My biggest motivation is to give a second life to discarded things, objects, and materials. The diversity of my work and the materials I use is a constant source of motivation and inspiration, as no two elements are ever the same. This individuality of the tiniest little things forces me to cultivate more flexible techniques and a new way of thinking and working.”

What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?

“I believe the art world would benefit immensely from initiatives that cultivate a more inclusive, supportive, and sustainable ecosystem, addressing current challenges and gaps. Artists often express concerns about the affordability of art supplies and the difficulty of obtaining representation. I advocate for increased support for initiatives that promote the use of recycled materials in art creation, as this not only reduces waste but also encourages environmentally-conscious art practices. This perspective highlights the importance of fostering an art world that not only supports artists but also prioritizes sustainability. By embracing recycled material, artists can contribute to a greener future while continuing to create meaningful work. Artists and creatives are more than just observers of the world; they are active agents shaping its future. Their ability to communicate complex ideas, challenge norms, inspire change, preserve culture, and connect people makes them invaluable catalysts for positive societal transformation. By tackling issues such as social justice, environmental sustainability, human rights, they can make these topics accessible and engaging for a broader audience- a central aspect of my own work.”

Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?

“Some of my most noteworthy exhibitions over the past 3 or 4 years include: a group show titled "Art 4 Equality x Life and the Pursuit of Happiness" at Untitled, a New York gallery, where I presented my interpretation of the American flag. The piece was sold on opening night in 2020. “Not So Classic Classics” at the Range of Arts in Honfleur, France, where I debuted four new pieces in 2021. The show was a sell-out. In 2023, I was selected from among 3,000 artists to display my new “Pride is Progress” LGBTQ+ flag in the windows of Showfields in Noho, NYC, for Pride Month. The opening night attracted a long line around the block and resulted in the sale of many flags from a limited edition of 10. This year, Chic Evolution Gallery curated a group show titled “Art Welcomes the Sun,” featuring over 14 of my artworks, some of which were shown for the first time. The show was nearly sold out.”

 
Editorial Team
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