Interview with Marie Descourtieux, Annie Kurkdjian & Christophe Dabitch - Le Four à Pain

Founded in 2024 by Marie Descourtieux, Le Four à Pain is an artist residency located on the Causse Méjean. It was conceived as a refuge for writers, visual artists, and creators seeking silence, extended time, and a connection with the territory. This small-scale place welcomes creators from a variety of disciplines, for stays nourished by voluntary solitude, immersive work, and powerful nature.
Three artists with unique paths will be welcomed:
Annie Kurkdjian, Armenian painter,
Christophe Dabitch, French writer and graphic novelist,
Violaine Schwartz, French actress, singer, and author.

Francis Kurkdjian Endowment Fund: Marie, you envisioned Le Four à Pain as a refuge for creation. What inspired this model, and how does the place influence the way artists work?

Marie Descourtieux:
“Nothing inspired me. I don’t consider it to be a model, and I didn’t have one in mind. It was a very personal desire, at this point in my life, to slow down time while still maintaining a connection with creation.
I couldn’t imagine living in a house without the possibility of sharing it with artists. I’ve been supporting creation for 45 years, and I wanted to continue, but in a simple and direct way, modestly, since the place only hosts a maximum of two artists at a time.
As for the influence of the place, I think it’s for the artists to say. The feedback I’ve received is that Le Four à Pain is a fertile space for creation—at each person’s pace, in their own way.”

Francis Kurkdjian Endowment Fund: The connection with the territory seems essential to you. How do you support residents in this dialogue between withdrawal, nature, and encounter?
Marie Descourtieux:
“I have no preconceived ideas, neither about the pace nor the form of creation. Each residency is tailor-made according to the uniqueness of the artist. Some need encounters with the public, others need silence and withdrawal.

At each arrival, I organize an aperitif. There are 18 inhabitants in Caussignac. That feels essential to me: we are ‘in their home.’ I maintain relationships throughout the year, and then, depending on the artist’s needs, we adapt the frequency of encounters.”

Francis Kurkdjian Endowment Fund: After having directed major institutions and produced numerous events, how did the creation of Le Four à Pain become necessary in your journey?

Marie Descourtieux:
“I’ve directed major institutions, but I no longer desire that. Today, I choose a life in nature, with a form of solitude that I enjoy. I’m not isolated: I am connected to the inhabitants of the Causse Méjean.

It was essential for me to keep a connection with creation, but I no longer wanted a ‘factory.’ I wanted something small-scale, close to myself and the artists.”

Francis Kurkdjian Endowment Fund: Why did you reach out to the Francis Kurkdjian Endowment Fund for your residency grants?

Marie Descourtieux:
“To be transparent, it was two people—Alain Lardet and Monia Triki, members of your committee—who advised me to apply. They know my background, had followed the Le Four à Pain project, and thought its uniqueness might interest the Fund.”

Francis Kurkdjian Endowment Fund: Annie, Christophe, what motivated you to come to Le Four à Pain? What were you seeking for your creative process?

Annie Kurkdjian:
“I live in Beirut. When I was invited, it was just after a period of war in Lebanon. Coming here in February felt like a breath of fresh air: the contrast between what I was living and this calm place, surrounded by nature.
I’ve already participated in other residencies, including a very productive one in La Rochelle. But here, the relative isolation, the silence, the nature—all of that perfectly matched my need to create.”

Christophe Dabitch:
“I first spoke with Marie on the phone, and I was immediately interested in the project. I already knew the Causse Méjean, where I had previously stayed. It’s a place that inspires me greatly.
I was working on a graphic novel based on the testimony of a survivor of the Rwandan genocide. For this project, I needed isolation, to cut myself off from daily life and devote myself entirely to writing.
At Le Four à Pain, I found the necessary concentration. The residency allowed me to complete a first draft of the book. Marie’s welcome also mattered a lot: she perfectly understands the needs of artists, knows how to be both discreet and attentive. There is a human dimension that makes this place unique.”

Francis Kurkdjian Endowment Fund: How does this type of residency alter your relationship to time and to your usual practice?

Christophe Dabitch:
“In Bordeaux, my time is fragmented between writing, workshops, collaborations… Here, there’s no dispersion: everything is focused on a single project. That profoundly changes the way of working.
Furthermore, Marie’s benevolent perspective and feedback create an atmosphere that gives strength and meaning to what one undertakes.”

Annie Kurkdjian:
“Here, one does nothing but one’s art, from morning to night. You organize yourself differently, better. And Marie’s perspective, her discreet yet precious feedback, brings confidence.”

Francis Kurkdjian Endowment Fund: What would you like the inhabitants to remember from your stay?

Annie Kurkdjian:
“The experience was moving, intimate, and warm, especially during the aperitifs Marie organized. The inhabitants were welcoming, and I will remember these human exchanges and the beauty of the place.”

Christophe Dabitch:
“For me, it’s the human connections and discussions that matter. These exchanges leave traces, and perhaps they will lead to other collaborations. For example, Marie brought about our meeting with Annie, and we are beginning to work together on a graphic novel project. I would like to come back and share this work once the book is finished.”

Marie Descourtieux:
“It would be interesting to imagine a double residency for Annie and Christophe, to work together on this project. This could lead to a specific funding request to the Fund.”

Annie Kurkdjian:
“This project has been on my mind for several years. It’s a graphic novel inspired by the assassination of my father, a jeweler, in 1985. I conducted an investigation that led me to Vienna, where a trial will be held next October.
I tried to write it on my own, but the script lacked solidity. I want to do the drawings myself, since it’s a deeply personal story. Christophe could bring me his experience in writing and narration. We’ve already exchanged remotely, but we need time working together in person to move forward.”