Claire Caron Mayor, Sculptor and Taxidermist
European Project Manager
CMA, Lyon, France
Claire Caron Mayor, a sculptor taxidermist trained at École Boulle, combines artistic excellence with ethical innovation. Her unique, animal-free sculptures reflect a deep commitment to ecology, craftsmanship, and the preservation of life. From winning the Prix Avenir Métiers d’Art to developing sustainable materials with regional partners, Claire’s journey illustrates how traditional know-how can evolve into a meaningful, contemporary practice. Rooted in transmission and collaboration, her work embodies a new vision for responsible, nature-inspired artistry.
Claire Caron Mayor is one of those committed, dedicated, and passionate artisans. However, nothing predestined her to practice the rare profession of sculptor taxidermist. Interested in art and sculpture, Claire began her training in applied arts at the École Boulle in Paris. For six years, she learned sculpture techniques, discovered anatomy, and taxidermy, the art of bringing extinct animals back to life.
“It was during my training in Paris that I became passionate about taxidermy and discovered my love for animals. After two years of training alongside scientists passionate about nature and the conservation of endangered species, I myself committed to this mission of valuing and preserving life for future generations.”
Always seeking improvement
In 2022, the budding artist decided to settle in Lyon for a year to train alongside a Meilleur Ouvrier de France (Best Craftsman of France).
“During my experience in Lyon, my artistic identity evolved, and I was less inspired by pure and hard taxidermy. I wanted to create more ethical sculptures that give a real sense of life, but without any animal material. It was necessary to understand the movement of the fur, the sparkle in the eye, and all the details that make a sculpture come to life.”
It was during this period that she participated in her first competition dedicated to young professionals in the arts: the Prix Avenir Métiers d’Art. A competition organized by the Institut pour les Savoir-Faire Français, in partnership with the CMA Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. She won the second national prize with her ethical, magical, and spectacular sculpture “La Biche Azurée.”
“Participating in such a competition at the beginning of a career gives legitimacy and visibility to one’s work. It’s a bit like a validation of the chosen path. It also allows meeting other passionate young people and established artisans who can inspire and guide us. Especially since the organizing teams of the Prix Avenir Métiers d’Art are benevolent and offer support to accompany the laureates in the continuation of their careers.”
The importance of surrounding oneself to move forward
Today, Claire Caron Mayor is a graphic designer, sculptor taxidermist on her own, and she is well on her way to opening her own workshop in Occitanie. She regularly exhibits her work and continues to surround herself with experts and passionate people to evolve. She is currently working on a deer sculpture and collaborates with passionate breeders from her region to recreate fur in wool.
“In the art professions, it is important to work with people as passionate as oneself to maintain excellence. To go further in my work, I need to surround myself with experts to create something extraordinary. The sheep fur is dyed by natural processes. I also work with specialists who create vibrant colors from plants. It’s fascinating to discover.”
Ecological commitment at the heart of her project
The arts are often synonymous with commitment and sensitivity to the environment. Claire is proof of this. Perfectly aligned with her values and love for nature, she engages in a very strong environmental approach in each of her projects. She is in the midst of an ecological transition and particularly wants to free herself from the toxic aspect of her profession.
“I had a problem with having to wear masks and gloves to create. I want to work without protection, to be in direct contact with the sculpture, and above all, I no longer want to contribute to this system that pollutes our atmosphere. I am developing a collaboration with the last paper mill in Europe to cover my sculptures, which will allow me to stop using industrial paper. All this gives more meaning to my work and my art on a daily basis.”
Transmission: the DNA of the arts
When asked what advice she would give to young people starting out in the art professions, Claire Caron Mayor mentions the importance of confidence, perseverance, encounters, and curiosity. And when asked what we can wish her for the future, she talks about transmission, to perpetuate her art and her know-how. She who has learned almost everything from others, the loop would then be complete.
“You must not be afraid of failure in the arts. Because if you fall but manage to get up, you can accomplish anything. To inspire and evolve, I advise meeting others, participating in competitions, being curious, going to fairs, open houses of schools… We are lucky in France, our artisanal heritage is very rich and recognized worldwide, there are many events around the arts. We must take advantage of it!”