Gérard Patris, a celebrated and accomplished French film and television director, came into this world on March 5, 1931, in the picturesque town of Bouresse, nestled within the charming department of Vienne, France. As he embarked on his life's journey, he would go on to cultivate a multifaceted existence, characterized by his profound and abiding passions for the arts, music, and the moving image.
Noting the completion of his secondary education in Poitiers, Patris proceeded to enroll in an esteemed art school in the city of Paris, thereby establishing the groundwork for his impending artistic career. It was within this esteemed institution that he would cultivate the skills and knowledge necessary to propel him towards success.
In the years that followed, Patris would go on to found a lithography workshop in the very same city, which would eventually evolve into a revered hub for numerous prominent post-war artists. This illustrious gathering of creative talents would include none other than Dubuffet, Pignon, Manessier, Sonderborg, Arman, Hayter, Hartung, and Matta, each of whom would benefit from the collaborative environment fostered by Patris' workshop.
Furthermore, Dado, another celebrated artist, would also have the opportunity to work alongside Patris during this pivotal period, thereby contributing to the rich cultural tapestry that was being woven within the workshop.
Patris's personal life was characterized by a series of marriages, with his initial union being a significant event in his life. This union was with Marie-Claire Schaeffer, the daughter of the renowned composer Pierre Schaeffer, often regarded as the pioneer of musique concrète. This familial connection would ultimately pave the way for Patris to join the ORTF research department, where he would work under the direction of his father-in-law, Pierre Schaeffer, to investigate the intricate relationships between sound, text, and image.
Patris, a visionary entrepreneur, joined forces with Gilbert Delcros, the esteemed director of the renowned La Chesnaie clinic, to establish "La Chesnaie Films", a pioneering television production unit situated within the picturesque carriages of the Chailles clinic. This innovative partnership would serve as a springboard for Patris's future endeavors in the realm of film, as he drew inspiration from the diverse artistic connections he forged with talented individuals from the worlds of music, painting, and sculpture.
