Antoinette Simmen
Cloud, Altocumulus
2017
Scagliola, Gips und Pigmente
H19 x B24 x T18 cm
 
As a former restorer of original prints, Antoinette Simmen has always been interested in traditional craftsmanship. Today, the artist primarily works with the scagliola technique (stucco marble), which is a labor-intensive and high-quality form of craftsmanship that was particularly used during the Baroque period to imitate marble. She applies and reinterprets this technique, using it on three-dimensional objects and placing it in a contemporary context.
 
Born 1952, grew up in Bern.
Apprenticeship and work at Galerie Kornfeld, Bern.
1974-1977 Training as a restorer of prints in Bern, Munich, Florence, Hamburg, and Chicago.
1978-1991 Own restoration studio and part-time position at Galerie Kornfeld, Bern.
1992-2016 Head of the restoration and conservation studio at the Graphic Collection of ETH Zurich.
 
FURTHER EDUCATION
Semester courses in "Figure Drawing" and "Life Drawing" at the School of Applied Arts, Bern.
Intaglio printing, Hansjörg Brunner Studio, Bern.
Lithography, Bern Studio.
Semester courses in "Three-Dimensional Design with Paper" and "Color Theory Exercises" at the School of Design, Zurich.
Courses and independent work at the studio of Elisabetha Bleisch, Zurich
Scagliola technique, stage in Italy.