Confession XXIV: Yolande Batteau ; Callidus Guild
Who are you? Yolande Milan Batteau
What do you do? I am a painter who creative directs an art for architecture company called CALLIDUS GUILD. We make applied art, wallpaper, mirrors and objects for the trade. I am designing a collection of carpets.
Where do you live? Clinton Hill, Brooklyn.
How did you get into this line of work? It came out of my fine artwork. I was commissioned to make wall finishes out of my paintings for Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Dior.
Who are your mentors and why? -Richard Carter, a great friend and inspiration who has an art ranch in Pope Valley, California. He showed me that I could learn to be good at anything, cooking, design, gardening, theory; all of which he is. He demonstrated to me the art of making a life.
-Marian Oliker, because she gave me dance, Africa, and new breath when I was exhausted.
-Joan Hull, because so much happens before a beautifully prepared meal, with magnificent dinner guests at a table properly set. She was my first patron, and changed my life.
How is what you are doing changing the profession you are in? I am one of a few artists making completely new surfaces out of historical materials. When I started that had been forgotten, we had to read ancient books. We are reinvigorating the design world by collaborating to make completely new forms with visionary designers, marrying the very old with the very new. With Callidus Guild designers can really create new surfaces, instead of just buying work created for something else.
Favorite place to travel? Rural Kenya and Belgium; Gent, Bruges and Antwerp.
Ultimate dinner party guest? Jorge Luis Borges. I dream of talking with him about memory, language and literature! His sense of wonder was never diminished by his encyclopedic knowledge. Wouldn’t he have magical secrets to share by candlelight on love and becoming who you are meant to be? His writing has always enchanted me. I imagine he would have a great sense of humor.
Three people you love and why? -I love my Mom, obviously, because she is a miracle. -I love RM and LD because they constantly inspire me. -I love GRH, because he saves me and makes me laugh.
What is one thing you do every day that enriches who you are? My walk to work is one of my great luxuries. I learned this from my Grandma Blanca, who also walked to work. The trees, the time to breathe and move creates great anticipation. Some of my happiest moments are on this walk down Greene Street.
What is your Mantra? The Seeker and The Sought are one. ( Keep trying )
Something someone told you when you were young that changed you for the better? "Follow your bliss.” - Joseph Campbell
One bit of advice you would tell someone younger than you? Find what you enjoy the most, and do it passionately, read a lot and travel!!! Oh, and make sacrifices for love, it is all that really matters in the end.
What is your confession? Despite being an expert, I am learning as I go.
--
