My practice focuses on creating conceptual projects through painting, sculpture and installation. I use both traditional mediums as well as recovered materials. Whether on paper, canvas, wood, any other physical surface or in three-dimensional form, I seek to exploit and transform the raw material by an intuitive and spontaneous approach. I always work from a theme that appeals to me and that allows me to deepen the creative process to which I attach a lot of importance. I am first interested in the poetic expression that evolves through the conceptual aspect of the project. I also seek to establish a correlation between body, material, object, state of being and movement. This is sometimes revealed through the idea, color, texture and architecture of the work. Or through an emotion, a state of being or even through the title of the work. What matters most to me is to orient my approach so that the work is not framed in a single perception thus allowing full freedom of interpretation.

ArtConnect asked the winning artists to share with us a glimpse into their creative life to get a sense of their personal inspiration and artistic process.

How would you describe your artistic approach?

My practice focuses on creating conceptual projects through painting, sculpture, and installation. I work with traditional mediums as well as recovered materials. Whether on paper, canvas, wood, any other physical surface, or in three-dimensional form, I seek to exploit and transform the raw material by an intuitive and spontaneous approach. I am first interested in the poetic expression that evolves through the conceptual aspect of the project. I also seek to establish a correlation between body, material, object, state of being, and movement. What matters most to me is to orient my approach so that the work is not framed in a single perception thus allowing full freedom of interpretation.

And how did you get started as an artist?

Looking back, I think that it all started during my college years. At that time, I still didn't know what I wanted to do or become. I enrolled in a 35mm film photography class at school. I began to explore my city, Montréal, taking a series of shots of urban activity. When I found myself in the darkroom, without really understanding it yet, I think I was experiencing my first creative process. I then studied theater, drawing and dance to finally enroll in the Faculty of Fine Arts in the contemporary dance program at Concordia University where I also took courses in painting, drawing, sculpture and film. I had finally found my own path.

Where do you look to as a source of inspiration?

Life, death, matter, materials, detail, environment, nature, light, shadow, poetic expression, silence, natural sounds…

What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an artist?

Believing in my work, a challenge that I must continually deal with... transforming this conflicted emotion into something positive, constructive, and universal.

Describe a typical day in the studio/wherever you make your work.

I get up early, take care of my cats. I go in the studio (a room in my apartment) and work until mid-afternoon. I work in silence, with the window open (except in winter) because I like working with the urban sounds of my neighbourhood.

What are you currently working on? / What’s coming up next for you?

I am currently working on three different projects. The DRIFTS DRIFTING PHASE II Installation Project which will bring together a body of three-dimensional works, the HEADS Project which will bring together a body of works on paper and in three dimensions and the NOCTURNES Project which will bring together a body of two and three-dimensional works with an environment of sound.

Is there a medium, a process, or a technique that you haven't used in your work yet but would like to try out?

I would like to experiment with textiles; I also would like to experiment the engraving techniques.

How does it feel to be selected as an ArtConnect Artist to Watch?

I am truly honoured and grateful! Many thanks to the curators! I am proud to join a new community with so many talented artists! It encourages me to push my work even further.

See more of Anne-Marie Giroux’s work

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