Artist Bio
Martine Bilodeau started doodling at a very young age in her rural Quebec forest farm - in fact she got her first illustration commission when she was 10 years old.
At 17, she started painting. She completed a three-year art program at College Sainte-Foy in Quebec City. At 20, she followed her husband to Germany for 4 years and worked as a photographer for the local Canadian Base TV station as well as retail store displays. She then moved to Regina, Saskatchewan, child in tow, where she worked for the local theatre company. She painted a set for a show that was presented to Queen Elizabeth II.
Following a move to Vancouver, BC. she exhibited her artwork in 25 venues, did a series of radio interviews about her work with CBC French, and eventually started working for the movie industry. This career spanned 25 years as a scenic artist for major Hollywood productions.
Her work has been collected in Thailand, Italy, Germany, the US, Mexico, Japan, and Canada. Martine splits her time between her art studios in Guanajuato, Savary Island, BC, and Vancouver, BC.
Artist Statement
My paintings reflect the desire to escape; whether from an unfulfilling life or as homage to the landscapes that help me escape emotionally or mentally.
M strong relationship with colour and textures allow me to translate those magic moments. I draw a lot from split complementary colour schemes, and the juxtaposition of colours in the vein of impressionism. I’m also very interested in obstructive realism.
Because light plays a major role in seeing colours, I spend my time between Guanajuato, Mexico, which is 6634 feet in altitude, and the British Columbia Coast, particularly Savary Island, in a cabin near the water. I live a life of contrasts, in a colourful, very lively town in the mountains in the winter, and in a peaceful ocean off-the-grid ocean island in the summer where solitude inspires.
Having grown up on 300 acres of forest in rural Quebec, near the border of Maine, my paintings sometimes breathe that solitude - being in awe at a sunset on an empty beach or a hike in the woods with my dogs. Those moments are sacred.
Contact
I'm always looking for new commissions or gallery and artist retreats opportunities. Let's connect.
1-604-839-9757