Photographer Mélissa Clavel caught our eye on Instagram a while back with her beautiful way of capturing people and nature. In the latest instalment of the 'Makers, Creators and Thinkers' series we visit Mélissa in the south of France where she lives with her family, and get a little peek into her 70s caravan...
Hi Mélissa! So lovely speaking to you. Please tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do.
My name is Mélissa and I’m 37 years old. I’m married and have 3 kids : Éléonore (10), Elisabeth (9) and my little one - Amans (3).
For some time now, I have been running a little French bistrot in a small town in the south of France. I also have a consuming passion for kids fashion and photography.
Your photography is beautiful! How did you get started? What inspires you?
Thank you so much! I consider myself an amateur photographer. I don’t have a strict process. I take pictures everywhere, when I feel inspired. I started taking pictures after the birth of my first daughter. I was fascinated by the magic of childhood. It inspired me a lot and I felt the need to capture all the childhood moments; the joy and the movements. I’m also fascinated by children’s fashion: romantic collar, liberty fabric, embroidery, precious handmade fabrics… it’s a magical world for me.
I’m deeply in love with the work of Claire Guarry. She took pictures of my daughters 5 years ago for one of my favorite brands, Bonjour Diary. It was incredible!
Where do you live?
We have lived in a small town in the south of France for a year now. We found a 19th Century town house in the center of the city and we really appreciate living in an old house, with a big wooden staircase, parquet and large spaces. We decided to leave the countryside to be closer to our families, but now we miss the freedom of countryside life.
I lived in Corsica for 7 years, which is an incredible French island. My daughters were born there. Living near the sea was one of the most beautiful times of my life. If it was possible I would relive this experience.
What is your philosophy around style and interiors?
Our home is full of vintage objects. I’m in love with seventies’s style. We go to a lot of flea markets to search for new treasures, and we have never bought brand new furniture.
What is your favourite piece of furniture in your home?
With no hesitation - my orange Togo sofa! This is such an iconic piece of seventies French style that has been a best-seller since its release in 1973.
We have spotted sheep on your Instagram account. Are they yours?
When we moved to the area we tried a life in agriculture. We wanted to raise sheep, so for 5 months we were farmers. Unfortunately, for several reasons, we could not carry on but it was an extraordinary experience for the whole family.
Tell us about your amazing vintage caravan!
My caravan! I love it so much. We got it two years ago when my husband was renovating a client’s house and they wanted to get rid of it. Can you imagine?! A real vintage caravan, with seventies details everywhere!
What is next for you?
The next step for us is to renovate another house from the 70s, but it’s very hard to find. I also have several photo projects in the pipeline, and can’t wait to share more with my community on Instagram.
Thank you so much, Mélissa!