Clara Olivia Levesque (she/her) is an Indian-Québecois multidisciplinary artist based in Montreal whose practices are inspired by the mythological personification of the surrounding nature witnessed on one’s wellness walk into the woods. Just like the nymphs’ association with healing, Clara’s work habitually aims to discover different pathways toward mental wellness for her community as well as herself. Majoring in Psychology and working toward becoming an art therapist, Clara is passionate about using her artmaking as a platform to foster connections and discussions about empowerment and reclaiming identity. In her drawings, one will notice the emphasis on the human figures, especially women, wondrously morphed with instinctively chosen parts of nature, revealing the ecofeminist interconnection within our world as a community.
-Written by Trang Ta, friend
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Which neighbourhood are you in?
I live in downtown Montreal where my studio is based in my apartment. From handmade chai-papermaking to painting to exploring other mediums, all of my creative process happens within my home or when I`m out doing plein air in nature.
What do you do?
My work is meant to evoke the ethereal. I mainly depict figurative nymphs in forests that draw upon the myth of Apollo and Daphne and other stories of that same nature. The purpose is to reclaim this narrative of a human being that found herself entrapped by someone`s need for control toward her and to rescript that narrative to one of emancipation, courage, healing, and community connection and support. Those viewing my work will notice that the figures find ways of connecting with the other trees, uprooting themselves and replanting themselves, creating serene spaces for rest and joy, and nurturing all the parts of themselves with embedded parts or their pasts with the seedlings of hope of their journey onwards. My creative process is grounded in the idea that when we cultivate respect for the most minute living organism – whether that be our cells or critters that frolic among the grass and trees – that we engage in a sustainable and reciprocal process of care. We are nature and ecosystems and nature is us. Rather than view the human form as apart from nature, my work is meant to encourage folks to consider how connected we are and to find sustainable ways of nurturing our humanity. My aim is that we become conscientious beings about our environment and our dear ones within it. Each of us has the capacity to make this world more wholesome, be part of a cycle of compassion, and advocate for those who need our support most.
I also make my own paper by hand using recycled paper, chai, and chai spices that I grind up. My original works are painted with gouache on the handmade paper I create. The chai is an homage to my Indian roots and creates a comforting scented paper whose scent is ephemeral. Coming from a mental health and mindfulness perspective, this scent that lasts for 2-3 weeks highlights to the viewer to savour and enjoy the little moments we have and be fully present. Every experience is unique and to cherish that moment because you never know what tomorrow brings.
I also host a range of workshops. Some are skillsharing and others are more meditative, however, I integrate wellness practices at the core of all the workshops I facilitate. I firmly believe in the benefits that artmaking can have on our mental health and emphasize to participants ways that they can simultaneously learn a new skill while considering the ways that they can use this process for grounding and self-regulation.
What are you currently working on?
I`m currently working on a new collection of figurative works on chai paper while integrating my love of birds into these scenes – while keeping in the same vein of the ethereal and social justice topics, this will be a particularly uplifting series. The collection is set to be completed by the winter. Folks can follow along on my journey and find out where I`ll be exhibiting my work by checking out my Instagram. I`m also working on getting some of my artworks on consignment (hopefully) in the Kingston, Ontario area for those in Ontario wanting to support my art career.
As a very involved community member, I have two fundraisers planned. The first is a series of handmade bookmarks during the month of September where 100% of the proceeds will be going to the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal leading up to Orange Shirt Day. This fundraiser is done in collaboration with Destiny Thomas who is a turtle clan, Mohawk woman from Akwesasne, Ontario and mainly does beadwork. The second fundraiser I have planned will be during the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence at the end of November. A diverse group of Montreal performers and artists will be putting together a night of the arts in Montreal and the ticket sales to our event will be going towards a women’s shelter in the Montreal area.
I also have a lot of workshops coming up for my fall programming. Notably, I am most excited about an art and yoga course for parents and children that I am collaborating on with Juliana Caldas, a local Montreal yoga instructor. This course is meant to deepen the bond between parent and child by setting aside intentional time that both can engage in calm, mindfulness, active connection, and being in the present moment. Oftentimes parents can find themselves overwhelmed during the school year with the dual obligation of `adulting` and being a parent. This is meant to provide a space where both parent and child can assuage their stress. Other workshops I have planned include upcycled chai paper-making, upcycled journal-making, business vision boarding, handmade eco-pads for people who menstruate, and so much more.
I`ve also been modelling for Kelsey Nichol Brooks, a local photographer working with film, on creative narrative series that she is currently developing.
Where can we find your work?
Folks can find out more about my work by visiting my Instagram or they can email me about inquiries at col.artandwellness@gmail.com. I participate in a variety of art markets during the year, especially in the Montreal area, where people can buy my artwork in person. I sell regularly at the local Concordia farmer`s market every week. I`m presently tabling every Tuesday from 3 pm to 6 pm at 7141 Rue Sherbrooke West and will be tabling downtown every Wednesday starting in September.
I also have my works on consignment in a few places, notably folks can find my greeting cards and lithographs at L’Euguélionne, a feminist bookstore.
