Valérie Obry is a French sculptor born in 1971 , based in Courbevoie near Paris, whose medium is primarily figurative clay sculpture.


Her work emphasizes movements, attitudes, emotions, and life’s scars and flaws, embracing their traces rather than smoothing them away. She aims to evoke beauty in all its forms and convey deep emotional resonance .


She credits sculptors Didier Braut, Adriana Popovic, and Michèle Gavache—all of whom guided her in modeling techniques while encouraging her personal expression .



Valérie offers bespoke pieces in various sizes, finishes (raw or with patina), and even commissions, designed to fit both private and public spaces 


Creative process 


Shaping the Work: The sculptural phase is Valérie’s favourite—where she captures the essence of the pose, gaze, or attitude.


Hollowing : After shaping, the sculpture is carefully hollowed out to reduce its weight and minimise the risk of damage during firing.

Drying Stage: A controlled, gradual drying period follows.


Firing: The piece is then fired at around 1,000 °C for several hours.


Finishing/Patination: Depending on artistic intent a patina is applied. 


Patinas are not only decorative but also enhance the expressivity of the work. They bring out the knife marks, tool traces, and textures that Valérie deliberately preserves in her clay, reinforcing the raw authenticity of her sculptures.  

Classical finishes – subtle, elegant patinas that highlight the natural qualities of fired clay, often in earthy tones.

Modern or contemporary patinas – bolder finishes that emphasise texture, movement, and contrast.

Avant-garde patinas – experimental surface treatments that push the sculpture into more innovative, striking territory.


Valérie offers the option to reproduce her work via casting into more durable materials such as plaster, polyester resin, or bronze. Bronze versions are made through art foundries