Background
For as long as I can remember, I've loved drawing, painting and manual activities. I could spend hours drawing in my room before dinner, and I was enrolled in art history and drawing classes in junior high and high school. It was then that I really developed a passion for these arts and that my greatest dream was born: to become a painter. I was already imagining myself exhibiting in art galleries all over the world and being able to make a living from my passion, far away from office life. In the second half of my schooling, it was agreed that I would study business administration and for 5 years, I abandoned my passion for painting and drawing and my dream gradually faded into something more "reasonable" and "safe". With my business experience, maybe one day I'll open my own art gallery, but in the meantime it's better to play it safe. My life took a turn when in 2019, freshly graduated, I made the decision to leave for a new adventure and move to Montreal to start my career in product marketing. When Covid arrived, I was lucky enough to be able to continue doing my work from home. With the time I was saving by staying at home, I decided to take up an old hobby: painting. In 2022, with the return to the local scene, I decided to change jobs in order to be closer to home and make the return to the office less difficult. I was immediately hired by a new French-Canadian company where I felt at home. In April 2023, after almost a year on the job, I was laid off. At first, my survival instinct was to update my resume and find another job as quickly as possible, but after a few days' reflection, I decided to use this time to realize my lifelong dream of becoming a full time artist. So here I am, introducing myself and my work to you and I hope you like it.
Artistic Approach
It took me some time to find my artistic style and rhythm. I have always had a fascination with drawing faces, eyes, and bodies, so when I started drawing and painting again, these subjects naturally became the focus of my ideas.
When I arrived in Montreal, it became crucial for me to explore my identity and delve deeper into self-discovery. Immersed in new landscapes and surrounded by diverse individuals, I felt liberated to explore these themes even deeper.
Painting
After years of personal growth and spiritual exploration, I felt compelled to express my emotions and the knowledge I had acquired. The human being is vast, brilliant, powerful, and full of color. As you can see in my artwork, some pieces are more vibrant than others. In my first painting collection "Something in the Orange" I sought to represent the depth of the human experience and the internal colors that emanate from the soul. Each individual has their own unique depth and vibrancy. Along my creative and spiritual journey, I sought living colors that inspired and spoke to me, evoking faces, bodies, and something truly singular.
One of my earliest canvases, created when I was around 17, already incorporated newspaper and book pages. I enjoyed working with the textures and relief that the paper provided, adding dimension to my artwork. Over the years, I continued and refined this technique, often incorporating book pages that I collect from the numerous "book boxes" scattered throughout the city. When a particular title resonates with me, I salvage its pages, giving them a second life within my art.
In addition to book pages, I use acrylic paint which I find more vibrant with brighter hues. I also bring texture to my canvases by using painter knives.
Drawing
I started drawing again in november 2023. began drawing again by chance in November 2023, and ever since, I haven’t been able to stop. Drawing has always been a personal journey for me; my work is an extension of my love for capturing the subtle beauty of human expressions and the delicate connection we have with nature. I often reminisce about young Mégane, who would sketch in her room almost every evening before dinner, dreaming of creating realistic artworks. However, after stepping away from drawing for many years, my skills remained stagnant. To reignite my passion, I challenged myself to complete one drawing each week throughout 2024, aiming to achieve hyper-realism by year’s end.
As my weekly sketches grew in size and complexity, I experienced a breakthrough in May 2024 when I completed my first significant piece, "Sofia." The pride I felt was overwhelming, fueling my desire to create even more. Each piece reflects my deep passion for charcoal, allowing me to blend light and shadow to bring emotions to life. My drawings are more than just art; they are a way for me to express my innermost feelings, and I hope they evoke a similar connection for you. I put my heart into every detail. This inspired me to explore new mediums, such as charcoal, and delve into tutorials to refine my existing skills and develop new ones. This journey is far from over, and I eagerly anticipate the artistic growth that lies ahead.
In general, I let creativity and ideas wash over me before diving into the creation process. If inspiration doesn't strike, I don't force myself to create. The most important aspect of my artistic approach is to follow my instincts and grant myself the freedom to create based on my state of mind. I give my mind and intuition complete creative freedom, allowing my art to evolve organically.
You can follow me on Instagram, Pinterest and Tiktok @marchalstudio for more content and creative process