Portrait of Cecile Ancelin, contemporary straw marquetry artist

Contemporary Artist

Cecile Ancelin is a Boston-based contemporary artist exploring the expressive potential of straw marquetry, where craftsmanship and contemporary art meet.

Artistic Journey

Early Life and Education

Born in France, she developed an early fascination for how light reveals the soul of crafted materials, particularly glass. She trained in drawing and painting at the Beaux-Arts before turning to stained glass. She later worked in the United States for a renowned studio, creating stained and etched glass pieces. That meticulous work taught her how matter and light interact, how precision can reveal emotion.

Discovery of Straw Marquetry

During a trip back to France, she discovered the art of straw marquetry. Captivated by the natural sheen of rye straw and the subtle play of light shifting with the direction of each strand, she decided to devote herself to learning and perfecting this craft. She trained with some of the most skilled artisans in France, who helped her refine both her technique and her artistic voice. This encounter marked a turning point in her journey — from light passing through glass to light reflected by straw.

Contemporary Practice

Today, her work in straw marquetry explores the ever-changing dialogue between light, texture, and movement. Each strand of rye straw is carefully selected, cut, and oriented to capture light with precision. Through this meticulous process, geometric compositions emerge, alive with shifting reflections and subtle vibrations.

Her approach bridges craftsmanship and contemporary expression. Rooted in a centuries-old technique, her work explores the subtle dialogue between light and material. The result is a body of work that invites contemplation, a quiet encounter where surface becomes depth, and light becomes emotion.

Studio & Process

Carefully selected raw straw materials showing different textures and grain directions

Material Selection

Each piece begins with the careful selection of the finest rye straw, chosen for its color, sheen, and natural variation.

Straw being split and flattened using traditional preparation techniques

Preparation

The straw is split, flattened, and prepared by hand, revealing its distinctive luster and subtle tonal shifts.

Skilled hands applying individual straws to create intricate marquetry patterns

Application

Each strand is applied with precision to build intricate compositions that evolve through patience and exacting craftsmanship.