Artist Chantal Leblanc
Congratulations to Chantal Leblanc for earning her place as Finalist in the Boynes Artist Award 8th Edition [Professional Artist Category]!
Who are you?
I am Chantal Leblanc, a Canadian abstract painter residing in Montreal, Quebec. Throughout my life, my deepest aspiration has been to become an artist capable of touching the souls of others through my art.
Although I indulged in art during my childhood and teenage years, circumstances led me to pursue a career in finance instead. However, even in those years, art remained my refuge as I travelled to different corners of the world, from America to Europe and Asia. Despite not being able to fully commit to art during that time, I continued to explore and create in various artistic forms.
It wasn’t until seven years ago, at age 52, that I finally returned to my initial passion and fully embraced art as a vocation. This detour in my journey provided me with invaluable experiences and opened my heart to the spiritual connections I had always sought. It allowed me to witness the boundless expansiveness of nature.
These encounters and adventures became a wellspring of inspiration that I pour into my artwork.
Moreover, as an “emerging” mature artist, this reconnection with my artistic calling gifted me with a profound sense of urgency. I feel compelled to create work that will deeply resonate with others, knowing that time is of essence. This urgency has become a driving force behind my artistic endeavors.
“A Thousand Mornings #1 & #2”
Mixed Media
By Chantal Leblanc
What inspired you to utilize painting as a medium?
For as long as I can remember, I pictured myself painting large canvases. My future studio would have a large window revealing the fields beyond. Large canvases would line the walls inundated with light as I would be overcome with peace and joy. Whenever I looked to the future or closed my eyes, this vision would pull me in. Every road, possibility, or daydream pointed in that direction.
When I no longer could resist the pull to paint, decades later, I quit my job, drove to the local arts store, and bought paste, palette knife, brushes, liquid acrylic paints and a 4 x 7 feet canvas. I didn’t have a plan. Didn’t know how or what to paint. I had materials and felt the pull to explore paint and to pour emotions bundled up inside. In the middle of my kitchen, I created my first large scale textured canvas. Haven’t stopped since.
I love the creative process of painting as it allows me to go about it in an intuitive way. Mixing colors is meditative. Making gestural marks is energizing. The possibilities of paint are endless and allow me to evolve in a variety of pictorial languages, my own, internal language.
In retrospect, painting was a natural extension of dancing and drawing, art forms I left behind all these years ago. Like dance, gestural painting, allows me to silence my thoughts and allows me to tap into emotions and a vertical dimension of space I feel within.
Chantal Leblanc in her Eastern Township studio
How would you describe your work?
I create large scale mixed media abstract paintings, inspired by emotions nature triggers in me, the human condition and that vertical spaciousness that hides behind all form that I search for. The vertical spaciousness is pretty much about what makes the universe hold together. The relationship between space form and consciousness is at the center of my journey.
I anchor myself in a range of imagery which reflects my inner duality: my fascination with suspended states, which I express through washes or minimalism and my need for movement as an extension of the raw energy and emotions I feel, which I express through gestural work. At times, this duality is represented into one single artwork, whilst at others, diptychs aim to show that both states can become integral to the experience of art viewing. One panel allows the viewer to be swayed and carried within an emotion and the other to rest in a more contemplative state. A juxtaposition of states of emotions: the ultimate tension.
The artwork selected by Boynes is part of my Sentient Collection which is a tribute to the natural world, the multiplicity of all things and interconnections with the spiritual world.
Introduced to Mary Oliver’s poetry recently, it has had a profound impact on my creative process and imagery. Reading her stories has transported me to childhood memories, where I took my cues from the natural world, the only place I felt I belonged. I was no longer alone with those emotions… and as memories returned, a new form of energy flooded into my art. I adapted my studio practice. Using leftover paints and cleaning water, each Sentient artwork informs the next. Using fallen pine and spruce branches, symbol of surrender and peace in native nations, I celebrate imperfection by marking the canvas. I embed tree scars on pure linen or cotton canvas to make my Art integral to the natural world.
“Wild Geese”
Diptych
By Chantal Leblanc
Can you discuss the inspiration, thought process and technical steps behind your finalist work?
My art process is purely intuitive. I will start lying the canvas on the studio floor on which I will pour leftover paints and washes of acrylic paint to ensure the process remains so. Using leftover paints allows one artwork to inform the next. While on the floor, I use tree branches dipped in black inks and graphite in a free-flowing way and begin random mark making.
I believe hands hold memories of emotions. On a random basis, I let them grab paint and let them mark the canvas. I use a wide range of materials from acrylic to aquarelle, ink, graphite, and oil sticks to allow free forms to emerge. As they do, they give me cues and reveal memories of emotions and stories.
Early on in creating “The Feverish Making Of”, youthful pinks, bright reds which turned to iron reds and earth colors reminded me of the cycle of life.
My mom was fighting her third cancer at the time. As I added marks, covered others, emphasized certain colors while I covered others, I was reminded of the importance of staying young at heart, holding on to beauty, laughter and cotton candy, no matter how gusty.
When it was finished, it revealed itself to me as an ode to the passage of time and it reminded me of this quote from Mary Oliver: “…As cooler air cracks the sky, earth, and water bend and liquify. Don’t you hear the goldenrod whispering goodbye?” Perhaps youth is not fleeting but it too bends, rises and liquifies. Beautiful things happen when an elder remembers what’s worth remembering as he tastes a cotton candy… perhaps one last time…
“The Feverish Making Of”
Mixed Media & Oils
By Chantal Leblanc
CAN YOU DISCUSS YOUR BIGGEST LEARNING EXPERIENCE AND SUCCESS SINCE STARTING YOUR ARTISTIC JOURNEY?
Throughout my artistic journey, I have experienced significant growth and success. My definition of success has, however, evolved over time, shifting away from external validation and all types of commercial representations. While achieving representations in commercial galleries initially felt like success, I realized not all galleries aligned with my personal artistic goals. Whilst some provided fine arts knowledge and support to both artists and their collectors, others were more about providing a marketplace for “a product”.
I became more selective in my distribution network, prioritizing those relationships which allowed for a deeper connection with curators, artists and patrons and provided opportunities to exhibit with curators and artists who privileged artistic excellence over volume.
Fortunately, I had the privilege of participating in an artist residency, winning awards from peer collectives, and participating in curated shows. I also had the incredible opportunity to exhibit my work in renowned locations like NYC and at the Red Dot curated Art Basel Miami. These experiences allowed me to grow as an artist and reinforced my commitment to my creative path.
When it comes to recognizing success, I question whether any artist is ever truly satisfied with his art. However, what I do know is that the journey itself is invaluable to me. The process of creating art and striving to connect with others on a spiritual level is what drives me. I will continue to experiment, evolve, and push the boundaries of my art, aiming to convey the emotions I feel and hoping to touch the souls of others.
Whether it takes a lifetime, the pursuit will always be worth it.
“Swell #1 & #2”
Diptych
By Chantal Leblanc
WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU WORKING ON CURRENTLY?
As an intuitive abstract painter, I face the blank canvas every day. There are no rules, no guidance, no predetermined idea of what to paint nor model to replicate.
My work happens in phases. Each phase is pushing forward similar ideas and inspiration. Although they may look very different, they are in fact permutations of the same theme. The relationship between form and soul. What really holds our universe together.
As an abstract painter, I am in constant flux of change. I recalibrate to better push my art forward and deeper into a new collection. This is a temporary phase where I allow myself the space to ground myself through meditation, by writing my thoughts and reading about my peers and poetry. As I attempt to convey emotions and spaciousness, in between very productive creative phases, I allow myself to live those fully.
“Ascent”
Acrylic
By Chantal Leblanc
AS A FINALIST, DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR ARTISTS WHO WANT TO SUBMIT TO AWARDS, COMPETITIONS, RESIDENCIES?
I would suggest artists do their research on the curatorial preferences prior to engaging in lengthy submissions and to avoid those whose curatorial styles have historically not favored yours. Curators are humans and may have their own aesthetic preferences. Review the quality of past curatorial selections to determine whether there is a fit with the artwork you wish to present.
Be prepared with an updated artist statement, Bio and a full description of your artwork at all times. As a practical matter, I have found that preparing a catalogue gives me the discipline to set my intentions, to mark thoughts and emotions which have inspired my artwork and other details about the work. It allows me to respond quickly to collector queries, show and call for art opportunities.
Always avoid vanity venues. You can recognize those a few ways. Firstly, the identity of the curator and selection process is undisclosed. Often, they ask for high fees and in return offer little visibility to the actual collector base or platform.
“Hummingbirds #1”
Diptych
By Chantal Leblanc
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO FELLOW ARTISTS?
Assuming you are already committed to doing the work and showing up even when life throws you off course, I would urge artists to find a community of like-minded artists. If you can’t find one, create one. A strong community can greatly enhance your artistic journey. By coming together and sharing experiences, artists can find support, inspiration, and valuable opportunities for growth.
Being part of a community of artists offers the courage that comes with association. Surrounding oneself with individuals who understand the challenges and joys of being a working artist can be incredibly empowering. These affiliations provide a sense of belonging and foster an environment where artists can take risks, experiment, and explore new artistic territories without fear of judgment.
Engage in meaningful discussions about what it truly means to be an artist. Be generous by exchanging ideas and thoughts, and perspectives, as it allows fresh insight into one’s work. In the process, you might stumble on an observation that will ignite a spark within you.
To thrive in a creative community, it is crucial to be true and honest, speaking one’s truth without fear. Authenticity builds trust. By sharing struggles, triumphs, and creative processes openly, artists can create an atmosphere of vulnerability and support that fosters growth and collaboration.
Generosity is also an essential aspect of building a vibrant artistic community. Rather than choosing for what others can give you, artists should consider what they can contribute to the collective. By offering support, feedback, and resources to fellow artists, everyone benefits.
“The Sun Will Rise #1 & #2”
Diptych
By Chantal Leblanc
WHAT IS YOUR DREAM PROJECT?
My dream project is also the one I fear the most: to present a body of work in a cultural or local art museum. It’s a contract I have made with myself. I wish I could just believe that I can make it happen. But it’s ok. I accept that I am not in the driver’s seat. It’s a journey into the unknown, and from that place I feel I can create my best work. So I do the work. Every day. I have something to work towards.
My journey is rooted in a profound commitment to conveying emotions and forging connections with others. I embrace the notion that my creative process is a lifelong endeavor, striving to better express the depths of my art. Nonetheless, even if my work resonates with just one single individual, my journey will have been a testament to a life well lived, driven by creativity.
My journey has been a circuitous one, but it has provided me with a wealth of experiences, spiritual insights, and a heightened desire to create art that connects with others. With each stroke of the brush, I strive to reach the depths of human emotions and touch the souls of those who encounter my work.
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