Mélanie Lefebvre had a few panic attacks when the pandemic started. One morning, when she hadn’t slept much, she got up, had a cup of coffee, put the dog in the car and said to me: I’m not feeling well, I’m going for a walk in the forest with Raymond (our dog). An hour later, she was back in the studio. I asked her: Are you feeling better, what are you doing? She replied: I’m going to paint forests.
It’s been over three years now and she hasn’t stopped. Mélanie invests herself in her work as she invests herself in life: with all her heart and guts. She paints like there’s no tomorrow. Her approach to the forest allows her to be in the moment, tinting everything with beauty, light and hope, and wishing to share her moments of grace with as many people as possible. Standing in front of her huge paintings gives us a big dose of oxygen.
-Written by Martin Fontaine, her love
***
Which ‘hood are you in?
I live in the forest in Shefford, Québec, Canada
What do you do?
I’m a fine artist and have been painting mainly on canvas with acrylic for over 15 years. I graduated from Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) with a visual arts certificate and bachelor’s degree (BFA) and it was during this period that I discovered a passion for painting.
My practice is informed by the region in which I live, in particular the forest. My approach to my work is analytical and contemplative and my in-depth observations of the natural surroundings lead me to depict landscapes that are both detailed and romantic. I explore certain connections between human beings and trees, by exploring the emotions that bubble to the surface when walking through a forest and realizing that the soil under your feet is teeming with life!
Each painting invites viewers to truly immerse themselves in the forest, so they can better observe, smell, hear and understand it. Through the play of light and by altering the dimensions of a subject, I show how you can interpret a landscape in many different ways. Thus the depiction of say, a smudge of paint, can also be viewed as a particular shape, a splash of light, a piece of textured material – harking back to the spontaneity and distorted imagery that were characteristic of the Impressionist and Expressionist movements.
What are you currently working on?
I’ve been painting large forests and planning exhibitions in Quebec in 2024.
Where can we find your work?
At Kefi Art Gallery, Toronto and Artsy. In my Shefford studio, Québec, and on my Social Networks: Instagram and Facebook.
