In her workshop at Place Foch, Annie Bonneviale “transforms everything that is thrown away”

Annie Bonnevale dans son atelier. Midi Libre – Romane Levi

The Millavoise gives a second life to objects by transforming them into works of art in her Nano Nid workshop.

A real parallel world in the heart of Millau. On the corner of the famous Place Foch, the Nano Nid workshop does not leave passers-by indifferent, who often stop intrigued in front of the colorful facade. In her workshop, Annie Bonneviale is at work, to the right of the main room where her works are exhibited. On a large table in the middle of the room, she makes a mosaic that will be added to the colorful walls.

The artist poses in the studio. Midi Libre – Romane Levi

“I have a hard time calling myself an artist, she explains when asked to introduce herself, for me, real artists do extraordinary things, they are known. I'm not looking for fame at all.”

Coming from a family where “the parents worked all the time", Annie Bonnevale recounts her childhood filled with manual activities, even during the holidays. Knitting, crochet, canvas, anything went to keep her hands busy. Her passion for art comes from her time at school in Millau. “I drew when I had finished my homework. I took the female pioneers as models."

From figurative to a mix of genres

Initially, the Aveyronnaise produced rather "figurative, like any person who is starting out", before drifting towards "Aboriginal art". Today, her style would be defined rather as a mix of different techniques and practices.

Having been in the workshop for eight years, she named it Nano Nid, in keeping with the nickname she was given when she was younger. “Nano is a nickname I've had since high school. Afterwards everyone started calling me that, even my children! She jokes, The Nest comes from the idea of ​​a place where you feel good."

Annie Bonnevale's houses on the lower floor. Midi Libre – Romane Levi

CAs the artist explains, the purpose of the place is to show her work, “modestly”. “Having this studio also allows me to not work only at home. Also, I like to meet people. They often ask questions and can stay for an hour before having seen everything.”

Transforming everything that is thrown away

Annie Bonneviale finds many objects at the end of their life and brings them back to life in her studio. Rolls, egg cartons, nail packets, so much waste that turns into relics in the hands of the artist from Place Foch. She finds her inspiration in particular in her readings. “I read a lot. Sometimes I go to see exhibitions but it's rare. I like to invent things.”

Birdcages revisited. Midi Libre – Romane Levi

The works exhibited at Nano Nid are unique. Birdcages that terrified her when she was younger, she turned them into fake bird cages. From a hospital bedside table, she turned it into an object of art. From a shelf, a “cabinet of curiosities“, as she likes to call it. It's hard to imagine that the place was empty, cold and dark the day Annie Bonneviale visited it, then bought it. Today, every corner is full of unique pieces, containing part of the history of Millavoise pur sucre.

Practical information: Next to the Notre-Dame de l'Espinasse church, Place. Maréchal Foch, 12100 Millau/Monday: 5 p.m.-8 p.m./Tuesday: 5 p.m.-8 p.m./Wednesday: 5 p.m.-8 p.m./Thursday: 1 7 a.m.-8 p.m./Friday: 5 p.m.-8 p.m./Saturday: 5 p.m.-8 p.m./Sunday: Closed