Early life:
Born in Montreal, raised in St-Lambert, I have also lived in Sherbrooke, Montreal, Lyon (France) and Ottawa. Both French and English were languages spoken at home and throughout my education. I witnessed my mother’s creativity in her love of art and what appeared to be a fearless interest in developing different skills. My father’s passion, outside of his profession, was for music. Their obvious enjoyment of the arts was a strong influence for me.
During my career:
Always present in me was an appreciation for the creative spirit and the ability others displayed whether it be talent to play an instrument, sing, write, paint, dance… As a teacher in French Immersion and Special Education in Montreal and Ottawa, I had the pleasure of assisting and observing as the children learned new skills. Their creations -drawings, stories, paintings, acting and writing- were always fascinating to me. I felt it a privilege to see each child’s creative style, interests and personality. My interest in art grew again in the early 1990s when I had my own daughters, as I wished to be able to teach them skills of their own. Around the year 2000, I signed up for my first art class. Acrylic was the medium chosen. Starting with small goals, often feeling like a child learning to write, I approached this adventure with apprehension and an open mind.
Now:
Having pursued this interest in art periodically over the years, I continue to attend classes and workshops, broadening my interests and acquiring new skills that I can apply to painting. I have been particularly influenced, while attending the numerous workshops, by the teachers’ skills as well as those skills of my artist classmates. I presently paint with oils: landscapes, street scenes and still life are my preferences…for now. I feel that certain colour palettes are soothing and I tend to lean toward my favourite colours with my work. It needs to look right to me. Thank you! To each of the teachers that I have learned from on this journey. Each has guided me out of my comfort zone and helped me build confidence along the way. I am grateful to have had these opportunities to branch out, remain motivated and encouraged artistically during this period of return to art. Following the encouragement of an artist classmate, I registered for the Certificate Program at the Ottawa School of Art in Orleans. Staff have been a wonderful support and guidance during this new adventure. I have since completed the Arts Fundamentals Certificate Program and I am thoroughly enjoying broadening my interests and developing new skills. Artists that continue to inspire me are: Alfred Sisley, Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh, John Singer Sargent, Joaquin Sorolla, James W.Morrice, Clarence Gagnon, Raynald Leclerc, TomThomson, Helen McNicoll…Also, inspiring and exciting to me are viewing exhibits at home and abroad.
Paint Day at St. Helen’s was a fabulous success. 40 would-be artists learned how to paint the Aurora
Borealis from St. Helen’s most prodigious Art Fair painter, Brenda Reid.
The YAI program is aimed at youth, 20 & under.
The program will give you an opportunity to talk with participating artists at the Fair about your artistic aspirations and their journey in the art world. Look for the YAI logo in the artists’ bios to see who is participating in the program and whose work may be of interest to you. Upon arrival at the Art Fair, you will be provided with a YAI name tag to identify you to the artists. There is no obligation to purchase any art and no pre-registration will be needed but if you may be interested we would like to hear from you. Send us an email at sthelensartfair@gmail.com and follow and share us on www.facebook.com/sthelensartfair.