Ursula hanes, an artistic reflection

I met Ursula Hanes at the opening of her group exhibition with Vianney Pinon, photographer, at the Espace Van Gogh in Arles. I didn't know her work or the character, but I had heard a lot about her. I approached her and introduced myself. Her gaze met mine, a gaze filled with light, joy, life, as I had rarely seen it. She held out her hand to me; a thin, fragile, long, soft hand that I naively shook cautiously, for fear of breaking it. But it was clear that her hand was stronger than mine! I wondered how this lady, with such a frail body, twisted like an olive tree trunk, could still sculpt and exhibit! After a few words of courteous exchange, Ursula invited me to take a tour of the exhibition while she continued her greetings. I discovered her works: the feeling of a profound message about life touched my heart. A few weeks later, I felt a deep desire to get to know her, and I contacted her. She invited me to come for tea at Fourwinds (Aureille), where she lives, and to visit her studio. The appointment was made. I knocked on her door, Ursula opened it and let me in. Her smile and her gaze are always of the same intensity and exert the same effect of fascination on me. On the table, tea is ready, along with a panettone. Intimidated, I observe her interior. Ursula, despite her failing eyesight, follows my gaze. She starts the conversation, the words come alone, our exchanges are immediately rich, my shyness disappears, and my questions follow. A few hours go by, then she takes me to her workshop full of nuggets. Two years go by before I meet Ursula again at a vernissage. The fascination is the same, something strong develops between us and we exchange the idea of making a film about her life and work. I come regularly to her house to get to know her. The character is rich inside, but Ursula is not easy; neither am I, so our characters confront each other, a few frictions, a few adjustments, we seek each other out, we tame each other, always respecting each other, in a spirit of kindness. Finally, we see that we have a lot in common and that our visions of the world, of creation, of each other are very close. The wisdom of his age reassures me, encourages me, gives me strength, refocuses me, opens my mind, comforts me in my choices, removes my fears and offers me another angle of observation on life. So I understand that this is the subject of our film: his life as a support for reflection on the very essence of creation. Creating is not only a profession, but above all a reason for being. The film follows 91-year-old Ursula Hanes, a sculptor in the midst of creating. She looks back on her life and tells the story of those who have influenced her and those she has influenced in turn.