Gérard Rigot was born in 1929. He lived in Paris and studied Classics, and later worked in a photo lab and as a builder. He also spent time living and working as a teacher in Algiers where he was profoundly affected by the beauty, color, and textures of the landscape.
As an artist, he has concentrated since 1959 on painting, but in 1978 began to also make furniture and sculpture. He is especially known for his fanciful furniture creations called animeubles, combinations of animal and furniture designs.
In 1978, Rigot left Paris for the countryside, and today lives in southwest France.