The Human Touch

Range Rover x SHARP

A 2012 graduate of the prestigious École d’ébénisterie d’art de Montréal (ÉÉAM), Loïc Bard has built an international reputation as a designer and artisan specializing in woodworking. Over the years, his creations have been showcased in prominent exhibitions and design events across New York, Toronto, Paris, Stockholm, London, and Milan.

A story lies at the heart of everything he makes, often rooted in the landscapes and recollections of his formative years.

“I grew up in a small village in France, Saulx-le-Duc in Bourgogne, on my family’s farm,” Bard recalls. “As a child, my friends and I often explored the surrounding forests and the rugged rocks at the top of the village. Long ago, there was a castle at the top of the village that was destroyed, but some remnants still remain. Among them is a section shaped like a tower carved into a rock, forming a perfect, very narrow half-tube with just enough space to fit inside — like an artifact forever frozen in the stone.”

These lived experiences are deeply embedded in his work, imbuing each project with a sense of place and history that is unmistakably his own. “The Bone 02 cabinet, shaped like a tower with a base of speckled carved stone, is directly inspired by the environment of my childhood,” he shares.

Alongside memory, the materials themselves also play a crucial role in his craft. “When I began developing the Bone collection, my goal was to infuse my pieces with a deeply tactile, almost flesh-like quality,” he explains. “I experimented with various wood species to achieve this effect, and bleached maple quickly stood out for its colour, subtle grain and density.”

Next, he employed a surface-burning technique on the maple and treated it with natural oils, giving the wood a finished texture reminiscent of leather. The shou sugi ban burning method, which traditionally involves bundling three planks into triangular tubes and lighting the interior for a controlled burn, “strengthens the connection to Japanese architectural tradition,” he notes. The process involves charring wood, cooling it, cleaning by brushing and washing, and finishing it.

Designer and artist Loïc Bard

This relationship with the elements goes beyond handling. “My pieces are designed with generous, imposing forms, yet they remain fragile with time,” he reflects. “Wood is a living material, and as each piece patinas and wears, it tells its own story. The curved, organic shapes of my work create a strong tactile quality, making it easier for people to connect with the object. The bold yet minimalist character allows them to be seamlessly integrated into any space.”

Bard strives to imbue each piece with a sense of timelessness, again echoing the principles of Japanese craftsmanship through their simple forms. “A minimalism,” he observes, “that emphasizes a few specific details to which I pay particular attention, creating a unique identity.”

The entire approach prioritizes organic exploration, embracing spontaneity and emotional expression. “Most of my pieces were created from sketches and sculptural shapes. I think in the opposite way of a designer, creating a form first and then adapting that form to a function.”

Bard’s work continues to evolve, but his commitment to the human touch remains central to his practice. In a field increasingly dominated by machine-driven processes, he distinguishes himself by blending modern tools with the emotional depth of handmade artistry. This balance allows him to create pieces that are not only functional but also personal, inviting tactile engagement and embodying a pursuit of pure form and carnal vitality.

“Technology and AI complement the design process, allowing for new possibilities and precision,” he reasons. “However, I believe there’s a place for both sculptural, handmade pieces and machine-manufactured designs.”

Designer and artist Loïc Bard

For Bard, the goal is to “enhance creativity while preserving the emotional depth and uniqueness of human touch,” a philosophy that allows him to evolve traditional craftsmanship without losing its essence.

“When people interact with my work, I want them to feel the purity and individuality of each piece. To appreciate the story and intention behind every detail.”

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