French Sculptural Coppersmithing with Jonathan

Jonathan is a contemporary artist and master dinandier (coppersmith), celebrated for reviving and innovating the rare, ancient French copperware tradition. Working primarily with copper, brass, and other non-ferrous metals, he transforms single sheets into seamless sculptural forms through hammering—a process that can require up to 200,000 strikes per piece. Unlike modern metalworking techniques that rely on welding or casting, his method preserves the metal’s integrity, “giving the pieces a soul” and a unique energy.

Born in France’s Tarn region, Jonathan draws deep inspiration from his surroundings—the dappled light, the gentle curves of river-carved stones, the quiet rhythm of nature. His influences span from the cosmic to the microscopic, grounded in astronomy, physics, and biology. Through biomimicry, the Fibonacci sequence, and natural forms like ovoids and vortices, his work captures the fluidity of water, the spirals of galaxies, and the fractured geometry of leaves.

Using a range of specialized tools—many vintage or handcrafted—he sculpts precise shapes and textures, channeling energy and vibration into the metal to reveal its inner light. He seeks harmony over perfection, aiming for a balance between human design and nature’s organic elegance. To him, metal is alive—and through careful, intentional work, its true magic is revealed.

Jonathan invites you into his studio to explore the tools, techniques, and traditions of this ancient craft, discovering the limitless potential held within a simple sheet of copper—simple yet endlessly complex.