Vital Lainé, born in 1997 in Rennes, is an artist and designer who works intimately with wood. In 2022, he established his studio near the Rance River, close to a sawmill where the material itself often seems to call to him. His process is a dialogue between his creative vision and the living essence of wood, which guides his designs as much as he shapes it.
Vital has a unique perspective on his medium, emphasizing its natural beauty and so-called imperfections. He sees every phase of creation as integral to the final piece, from sketches and models to hands-on shaping. His work shifts between drawing, flat designs, and volumes, allowing him to reinterpret objects from multiple perspectives.
Each piece represents the beginning of a new exploration. Even when two creations appear similar, they are distinct versions of an idea. Vital continuously reimagines everyday objects—chairs, tables, and lamps—seeking new forms that honor simplicity, materiality, and function.
“I don’t add anything unnecessary; I let the material speak. Details like a vein or knot in the wood inspire me and remind me of the tree it came from.”
His work blends utility and artistry, existing between daily use, sculpture, and a sacred respect for nature. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Constantin Brancusi and Max Lamb, Vital creates objects that invite reflection and interaction.
Beyond his studio, Vital photographs his pieces in various settings—landscapes, village squares, or near the sawmill—offering new perspectives on his work. For him, the process of making, the time spent reflecting, and the interaction with space are inseparable from the object itself.
In his creations, Vital Lainé invites us to rediscover the connection between material, design, and the world around us.
