Karine Léger (b.1977, Montreal) is a self-taught abstract painter with a background in graphic design. She now lives and works east of Montreal.
Since when do you paint and what are your favorite motives?
I have always had a special affinity for painting and drawing. Since the early 2000’s, my artistic vision evolved through photography, collage and painting. Like most self-taught artists, I learned a lot by trial and error. I also took a few painting lessons in private studios.
I like to observe what surrounds me and am mainly drawn to quiet places. I find the idea of repeating motifs and creating balance between shapes highly appealing. It brings me a sense of inner peace. In many ways, my artistic practice has become somewhat of a meditative ritual.
When you create a new work, how do you proceed? What comes first?
Each painting begins with a sketch. A hand-drawn, collaged or digital rendition of what I want the work to look like. In order to balance the various elements in my composition, I create a layout of the colors and textures I intend to use. Before even approaching the canvas, the interactions between shapes and colors are studied at length to ensure that they are harmonious. Once I am satisfied with my vision, I transcribe the finalized sketch onto the canvas and paint it in a series of successive thin acrylic layers, making way for a series of different shapes, textures and levels of depth to emerge. I let the paint thoroughly dry between each coat and use that drying time to take a step back and observe the work as it is being built before my eyes.
From what do you get your motivation?
My inspirations are oriented toward nature and all the declinations that flow from it. Landscapes turn into metaphors and memories are catalyzers for transformation. They manifest themselves through various forms: vivid memories, the ambivalence between wanting to stay in a place that comforts us and the contradictory urge for the unknown. I also draw inspiration from poetry and music.
Your life without art would be...
… unbalanced.
Life without art would leave a void. Introspection and connection would be diminished. For me, art serves as the harmonizing force that brings balance to our lives.
What's the best art venue in your city right now?
I love visiting my friends’ art studios. It is always very inspiring. I also like to visit the art galleries of the Belgo Building in downtown Montreal and The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.
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