Meet Isaure from Dust in my closet

Isaure is a French artist based in Lisbon who gives forgotten objects a second life. She scours flea markets—especially Lisbon’s iconic Feira da Ladra—for discarded vases, mirrors, and vintage treasures, then transforms them with color, pattern, and a deep respect for what already exists.

Her work isn’t about starting from scratch. It’s about revealing what an object could become. Each piece carries its own history, and Isaure’s gentle intervention adds a new chapter—vibrant, playful, and full of personality.

Working from her bedroom studio in Lisbon, she transforms forgotten vases and lamps into colorful pieces that feel both nostalgic and fresh. Here’s what she shared about her process, why Lisbon changed everything for her, and the rattan cabinet that seemed to be waiting for her on a sidewalk.

What does a typical creative day look like for you? Where exactly do you hunt for treasures in Lisbon? How do you decide which object deserves to be transformed?

My process is different every time. Some objects immediately feel right, while others take more time. I test things, I let them sit, I come back to them—sometimes even after I think they’re finished. Inspiration often starts with a simple glance, then evolves along the way.

In Lisbon, I mostly hunt at Feira da Ladra, which has become my Saturday ritual. I love the energy of the place—the mix of order and chaos—where every object seems to be waiting for a new story.

You left France for Lisbon. What drew you there? How does the city feed your creative work?

I first discovered Lisbon about ten years ago. The city immediately moved me, even though I couldn’t quite explain why. There was something about it that pulled me in.

Later, when I felt the need for a change and to discover something new, Lisbon felt like the obvious choice. I came back for a month, and from the very first day I knew this was where I needed to be. I simply let myself be carried by the city, and it truly felt like love at first sight. Looking back, it’s probably one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Lisbon became a real creative trigger for me. The light, the colors, the energy—everything feeds my work every day. It’s a vibrant city, always in motion, where I naturally feel at home.

What do you enjoy most about transforming found objects rather than starting from scratch?

What moves me is starting from what already exists and revealing what’s already there. Every object carries a story. In a society where we constantly produce new things, I love this gesture of reuse—a gentle and meaningful transformation.

I take time to observe the object and let it inspire me. The process is very intuitive, almost like a dialogue.

Giving these objects a second life—and seeing someone connect with them again—gives real meaning to my work.

Is there an object you’ve found or transformed that you’re particularly proud of? A funny story?

When I first arrived in Lisbon, I kept noticing a rattan cabinet on a balcony. It was a bit run-down, almost abandoned, but I could see its potential. It actually made me a little sad to see it like that, and I thought about asking the owner if I could buy it.

Then one morning, while walking down that same street, there it was—sitting on the sidewalk as if it had been waiting for me.

I restored it, and today it’s the piece that welcomes all my vases.

If we come visit you in Lisbon, where should we go?

I love a small restaurant in my neighborhood called Trinca. It’s cozy and welcoming—perfect for sharing tapas with friends.

For coffee or brunch, Marquise is one of my favorites. It’s located right next to one of Lisbon’s most beautiful squares, and they serve delicious pastries. They also have a lovely little interior terrace, perfect for a quiet break.

And if you’re looking for hidden gems, I always recommend Dona Ajuda, a secondhand shop where I often find both clothing and home decor treasures.