What is the best thing that I love about my work?
Sculpture is a way for me to express myself, to convey my emotions and my thoughts about the world. My sensitivity is expressed through my work, and I love working with my hands. The most satisfying thing is to start from nothing, and create a unique object for myself and for other human beings on Earth.
What is my idea of happiness?
Simplicity. Enjoying nature, my loved ones and, of course, my dog. Not forgetting personal and professional fulfillment. I’m happy that my work (which is vital for me) is appreciated and recognized by others, it gives meaning to my existence. As humans, we need to share our beliefs and our vision of the world, and art allows me to do that.
What is my greatest fear?
Not having the opportunity to go all the way in my artistic evolution. The world is getting harder and harder, the economic context is complicated, and my greatest fear would be to have to stop creating for lack of financial means.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?
There’s a rather destructive dark side to me, and I fight every day not to listen to it. I have a tendency to self-sabotage, and this often takes the form of procrastination or not daring to talk about my work, not putting myself forward, and therefore not putting all the chances on my side to really succeed.
Which living persons in my profession do i most admire?
Ellen Jewett, Forest Roger, Kris Kuksi, Tina Yu, Akishi Ueda, Dug Stanat
What is my greatest extravagance?
I’m not really an extravagant person, the only atypical thing people notice about me is that I’m dressed in black every day!
On what occasion would I lie?
When people ask me how I’m doing (who doesn’t lie when asked that question?). And I often lie so as not to hurt people’s feelings.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?
Loneliness. I love it and hate it at the same time. I need solitude to work and at the same time, every day I wish I had company, sharing my knowledge and receiving it from others. I love the richness of the exchanges I can have with other artists, and I’d like that to be part of my daily life.
When and where was I the happiest, in my work?
I’m happiest when I finish a sculpture. It’s a complicated process to create, and when I see the finished project, I’m overwhelmed with satisfaction. Then I show the world what I’ve done, and that’s the second happiest moment when I get great feedback, when my message is heard, when my thoughts are understood and when I make the spectators feel great emotions. And finally, of course, when my work is recognized by people I admire, that’s the ultimate gift!If
I could, what would I change about myself?
My anxiety. I’d like to stop being afraid of anything. Go back to my naivety as a child who never doubted. I haven’t always been anxious, it’s just that my life path has led me to experience traumatic situations that I’m still finding it hard to escape from today. You carry your past around with you, and I’d like to leave that suitcase by the side of the road!
What is my greatest achievement in work?
I’m proud of the fact that I have no creative filter, I don’t forbid myself anything, and above all I feel free to do what I like. I’ve developed my own working techniques, I feel legitimate and competent, and when I’m selected for an award or a competition, it confirms to me that I’m on the right track.
Where would I most like to live?
It doesn’t matter where, as long as nature’s not far away, and I’m not polluted by the surrounding noise. I’ve been living in Bretagne (France) for a few years now and I like it there.
What is my most treasured possession?
It’s hard to answer this question because I’m not really materialistic. Apart from all the equipment I have in my studio, I don’t have many objects.
I’d say outside my work, it would be my video games consoles. I have a fine collection of Nintendo consoles. They’re precious to me, because they take me straight back to the nostalgia of my childhood.
What is my most marked characteristic?
My good humor, I think. I’m always smiling, and I try to give others my support and my ear. And I never take myself too seriously.
What is my most inspirational location, in my city?
I don’t live in the city, so for me it’s nature that inspires me most.
What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city?
At home. Because I cook, and I like to make good food. But when I lived in Paris, I loved eating at the “Black Dog”. It’s a (metal music) bar with a restaurant section, and the food is really good 🙂
What books influenced my life and how?
For the most part, my favorite books are science fiction. The first one that made an impression on me was Philip K. Dick’s “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep”. After that, I really liked Isaak Asimov, Pierre Bordage, Dan Simmons…
For me, science fiction is my refuge. I love these futuristic visions of life in the universe. Our current world sometimes bores me, so I like fantasy, getting away from what we know, to discover a new way of living, thinking and imagining the future of humanity differently and in other worlds. It opens up my mind and lets me step back.
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?
“Trippin’ Away” from a french metal band named Adagio. That’s an example, because I don’t think I’d be able to choose just one song. My life is deeply tied up with metal music, and I think I’d want to listen to a song by every band I’ve loved for years and that have made me feel so many emotions.
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?
I love the character of Vanessa Ives in the Penny Dreadful series (played by Eva Green) I find her so beautiful, mysterious and strong, yet with a rather dark psychology, she radiates. As an unusual woman, I think she’s a good reflection of the romantic vision I’d have of myself.
But I think the real answer to this question would be the character of Link in Zelda video game series. Because I’ve played that character so much, I think he’s part of me now. I’m very sensitive to his story, his adventures, and the poetry that flows from them. He’s a timeless, humble hero who reappears over the centuries whenever evil returns to Earth. I love this repetition, as if we had a single role to play on Earth, and we return again and again to fulfill our destiny.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?
I don’t really have heroes or heroines in real life. I tend to put all human beings on an equal footing. I tend to be much more moved by and give pride of place to animals, who for me are much more powerful and pure, who understand how our planet works instinctively, and I’d like them to teach me everything they know about our world.
So, to name just one, I’d like to mention my dog Mario, who saved my life.
Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime?
My favorite film is Blade Runner (1982), but I don’t know if it’s necessarily the film I’d recommend to everyone, I think it’s up to each person to be sensitive or not to certain stories and universes. I don’t impose my tastes on others, even if I like it a lot.
What role play stories in my life and work?
They play a decisive role. My stories have forged my personality and profoundly influenced my aesthetic. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve been creating imaginary worlds, creating characters that follow me and grow with me. In my works, I tell a story, a mythology that speaks of the future of civilizations and living beings. I love telling stories and plunging viewers into a projection that goes beyond them, but above all, in the background, they speak of me, my sensibility and my experience, and that’s what brings me closer to my audience.
What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me?
Yes, and I think I’m the one and only person who can do that. It’s an undeniable asset to be able to tell your own story, to talk about your career, your failures, your successes, your pride, and also to tell your own universe, to share what’s going on inside you, inside your head.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?
I think my biggest fan was my grandmother, who has since passed away. But she’s always been a driving force, a reference, and a strength for me. She always encouraged me, and the way she looked at me meant a lot to me. I wish she could have seen where I am today, and I know she would have been very proud of me.
I’m lucky enough to have a lot of people around me who support me, my family and friends who send me strength every day, but also a lot of people I don’t know via social medias, and I’m very grateful to them all.
Which people or companies would I like to work with ?
Natural History Museum Paris
Naia museum (Museum dedicated to fantasy and visionary art)
Hellfest (french metal music festival)
Les Utopiales de Nantes (science fiction convention)
Beautiful bizarre magazine
Hi fructose magazine
Dorothy Circus gallery
Hey Hey Hey team
My brother (Formol from the Chinese band : Stolen)
Pierre Bordage (French science-fiction author)
What project am I looking forward to work on?
Next year I’m going to exhibit a sculpture in New Zealand, and I’m really looking forward to working on it. I’ve got some good ideas of what I’m going to do next, and I’ve got other projects in the pipeline, but I can’t talk about them yet because they haven’t been validated, but great opportunities are coming up.
Where can you see me or my work?
You can see my sculptures on my website, on Instagram, Facebook, Tik tok and youtube.
Some links to youtube videos :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZwSgaM9Ijg&list=PL8I8zBTiyqT0M__HdyaRI7fT2ZHeBZidv
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?
The reality of my life. It never stops. Whether I’m asleep, on vacation, or even when I’m ill, it’s something that’s always there and never lets go! And above all, passion is something I’d never want to stop doing, because despite the difficulties I’m going through, I can’t see myself doing anything else. I’m attached for life to my passion.
Which creative professionals should Peter invite to tell their story?
Artists like : Ellen Jewett, Forest Roger, Tina Yu. And actresses from the art world like : Danijela Krha Purssey, Yasha Young. I think their stories and personalities must be really exciting.
How can you contact me?
You can join me on Instagram @virginiegribouilli, or send me an email at contact@gribouillivirginie.com
here is the link of all my social medias and website :
www.facebook.com/GribouilliVirginie
www.instagram.com/virginiegribouilli
www.tiktok.com/@virginiegribouilli
www.youtube.com/c/VirginieGribouilli
The Heroine's Journey 
Very inspiring interview, after reading this I don’t really feel alone anymore!
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