Who am I ?
Beginnings
I was born in 1970 in Strasbourg. I’ve been passionate about comic books – and even more so about American comics – since I was seven, and I started drawing at a very early age so that I could reproduce my favourite characters, but also create my own. Then came my interest in mythology, which allowed me to talk about characters with supernatural powers whilst still coming across as a serious child. I then discovered a passion for Japan whilst reading the comic *Serval*, published in 1984 by Chris Claremont and Frank Miller, in which I learnt that my favourite X-Man had lived in Japan, spoke fluent Japanese, and fought ninjas. My interest in medieval Japan was then sparked by the *Kogaratsu* comics by Bosse and Michetz. Then came role-playing games, which took up a large part of my time.
My fascination with Japanese civilisation led me to learn the language, and I obtained my DEUG in Japanese in 1993, before spending a year as an assistant to a Japanese professor, Mr Masahiro Takagi, as part of his research into hydrology in Alsace. Apart from a few evening classes at the Strasbourg School of Decorative Arts, I am largely self-taught when it comes to illustration.
First published
Whilst studying Japanese, I discovered a whole world that had barely been touched upon in French publications: the yōkai, the fantastical creatures of folktales and legends. After two trips to Japan, and armed with suitcases full of Japanese books on the subject, I decided to write a fabulous bestiary in which I present these creatures, published in October 2007 as *Rencontres à l’Heure du Bœuf*. This publication has led to me being invited on numerous occasions to conventions, as well as by libraries and universities, to give talks on the subject.
I collaborate regularly with the CEEJA (European Centre for Japanese Studies in Alsace), and I teach Japanese courses at the Librairie le Camphrier in Strasbourg.
Kakemono Events Association
I am currently a member of Kakemono, the association primarily responsible for organising the Japan Addict conventions in Strasbourg and neighbouring towns. I contribute my knowledge of traditional Japanese culture, as well as my artistic skills, particularly in the creation of sets and props, and in running creative workshops.
On 22 October 2019, Mr Satō, the Consul-General of Japan, presented our association with the Certificate of Honour (表彰状 hyōshō-jō) from the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs in recognition of our contribution to promoting mutual understanding between Japan and France – an honour of which we are very proud!
