Our community: Bertille de Lestrade - Studio Bleu

“I want to show people that art is accessible to everyone”

Realising that her work already centered on circularity - reusing, and reimagining existing materials to create art - French artist Bertille de Lestrade began, a few years ago, exploring how to promote circular practices to a broader audience.

A self-taught multidisciplinary artist from Bordeaux, Bertille cultivated the Castlepollard-based Studio Blue to host creative workshops and community cultural events. A self-titled hoarder of objects, small circular wins within her community are something Bertille thrives on.

“I’m also very involved in promoting sustainable living. I’m always delighted when someone is inspired to try new things like upcycling their clothes, or make art out of discarded things after a workshop, that’s very rewarding. I love old things with a passion and love transforming them into something new.”

Looking to the future, Bertille wants to encourage and sponsor more circular activities and events. With plans to design and host a series of workshops in the coming 12 months, connecting with her community is a key focus.

“I’d love to see more things like a tool library, skill exchange, etc. Anything that pushes people to buy less and exchange more. It’s so great for community bonding too. I try to talk about it as much as I can at my own events and in workshops.”

Bertille is hosting two markets this March and April at Studio Bleu, with vintage, local crafts and upcycled clothing for sale in Castlepollard.

Growth in these spaces is greatly aided by word of mouth and community support. Bertille - who was shortlisted as Best Circular Artist at last year’s Full Circle Awards - highlights fellow business owner Anna Browne, of Big Sky Flowers, who has collaborated on workshops at Studio Bleu in the past. Anna runs a sustainable micro flower farm, running workshops in sustainable living, biodiversity and selling to her local community.

“I can only recommend the one-woman-organisation extraordinaire that is Anna,” says Bertille, as an example of others pushing for sustainable practices. “She has been an incredible mentor in so many ways and is the absolute queen of sustainable living in everything she does.” Leinster is buzzing with people like Bertille, and places like Studio Bleu, making circular living easier. Check out some of the things already happening in the region – real options you can tap into straight away.