Interview with Marine: Meilleure Apprentie de France and Ambassador of Modelled Engraving

Paula had the opportunity to meet Marine Schouler, a final-year student in DNMADE-Objet, specializing in modelled engraving at École Boulle, a prestigious institution for arts and crafts in Paris.

At just 20 years old, she proudly holds the title of Meilleure Apprentie de France 2021 and aspires to preserve a rich yet endangered artisanal craft.

A Passion Discovered by Chance

Marine initially had no clear idea of her career path but knew she loved working with her hands. It was during the open days at École Boulle that she discovered the craft of modelled engraving. “Seeing the students at work and feeling their shared passion immediately captivated me,” she recalls. From that moment on, she dedicated herself to this field, enriching her journey with significant internships, including one in a jewelry workshop in Vienna, Austria, where she gained complementary skills.

The Challenge and Honor of Becoming Meilleure Apprentie de France

In 2021, Marine took part in the Meilleurs Apprentis de France competition. “This experience was a real challenge. It allowed me to learn new techniques and work under pressure, with strict deadlines and precise guidelines.” This prestigious title is not just a recognition of her talent but also a springboard for her career. “It validated my work and opened doors for internships and my admission into DNMADE,” she explains.

An Artisanal Craft in Search of Recognition

Modelled engraving is a demanding discipline, blending tradition with versatility. “We work with a variety of materials, from metal to plaster, as well as silicone and polyester,” Marine explains. Thanks to this expertise, she also explores adjacent techniques, such as ceramics and enameling, which she incorporates into her creations.

However, this artisanal craft is under threat from increasing digitization. “Even renowned institutions now work almost exclusively with machines. Very few artisan engravers still practice entirely by hand,” laments Marine, who actively advocates for the preservation and transmission of these traditional skills.

Passing Down an Ancestral Craft

Marine is particularly proud of her project "Perseus Holding the Head of Medusa," a coin inspired by a sculpture by Benvenuto Cellini. This project embodies the expertise she has developed throughout her journey and her desire to blend creativity with tradition.

Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future

Marine dreams of one day founding her own engraving workshop. “I don’t just want to continue practicing—I want to pass on my passion to future generations. These crafts are essential to preserving the authenticity and uniqueness of our heritage.”

Raising Awareness Among Young People Through the Paula Project

For Marine, initiatives like the Paula project, which promote artisanal craftsmanship, are invaluable. “They help shine a light on these trades and prevent them from disappearing,” she explains. She suggests organizing conferences or creating social media videos to raise awareness among young people about these lesser-known crafts.

A Message of Inspiration

Marine concludes with a message for those hesitant to pursue an artistic profession: “These crafts offer much more than just technical skills—they provide a means of self-expression, the ability to create unique works, and the chance to preserve an ancestral heritage. In an increasingly digital world, they represent a unique space where tradition and innovation come together.”