Yasmine Gateau

Yasmine Gateau was born in the west of France and studied decorative arts in Strasbourg where she specialised in theatrical set designs.

While working as a set and costume designer, she also developed her interests in photography and drawing. Today she lives in Paris and works as an illustrator for a number of major companies, magazines and publishers.

‘Beyond the sea’ is the title of the picture that Yasmine has created for lavie & belle’s ‘friendship’ collection. At first glance, it is a haunting image of loneliness and separation. But as the picture draws us into its narrative, we see that even in moments of isolation, the possibility of encountering a new friendship is never far away.

“My idea for the picture grew out of the translucent blue expanse that resembles a watery landscape – a dream-like lagoon. It represents to me an immensity of possibility. The figure in the foreground has so many choices – whether to stop and linger, sit and ponder, or to continue on his way. We can step out of solitude, sit beside others and make new friends.”

'Beyond the sea' by Yasmine Gateau
lavie & belle friendship collection 2009/2010