Mineral Studio | Objects to cherish

Alexandra Gélinas combines her passion for ceramics and her training in industrial design to create unique objects that stand the test of time.

“I want to look for objects that people cherish, that are close to them, that take care of them,” explains Alexandra Gélinas. That’s still my mantra. » Her new collection, arriving just in time for the holidays, is no exception.

In collaboration with ceramist Gréta Jonckheere, she produced their second edition of Christmas baubles. Like snowflakes, the balls come in several “iterations” and their shape is reminiscent of origami. “We have an illusion of paper that is frozen in time,” points out Alexandra Gélinas.

“People who bought a first ball last year are buying one again,” she notes. This collection idea fills her with joy since she wants to “recreate anticipation and a sort of excitement” by only releasing one Christmas decoration model per year.

The designer first made her mark with fashion accessories, particularly necklaces. “It’s an object close to the body, very personal,” explains Alexandra Gélinas. This jewel rarely incorporates porcelain, one more argument for the designer-ceramist to explore this universe.

Playing with relief and colors, she released several versions that reflect her personal interests. The SAT necklace is a nod to Saturn’s rings and his passion for astronomy. For the PHA necklace, it is a reminder of the aesthetics of the pharaohs and a tribute to History.

Made to last

Part of the collection also highlights residual materials, including granite and marble dust. An important initiative for Alexandra Gélinas, who followed training in applied sustainable development. Ceramics was also an obvious choice for her. In addition to his love of the material, it aligns with his environmental concerns since it has a long lifespan. Her objects can be “kept for a lifetime, and even given again,” she enthuses.

By opening her studio in December 2020, the designer-ceramist wanted to move away from traditional ceramic plates or bowls.

It is therefore the molds that allow his objects to come to life. It also uses 3D printing and industrial cutting to, among other things, create its key pieces and prototypes.

Its factory also collaborates with general designers, ceramists or architects to create objects that require its expertise. But Alexandra Gélinas always has individuals in mind. It will therefore soon release a collection of decorative tiles, which can be purchased in small frames, like paintings. A way for her to make her works accessible and to be able to share them with people.