Artist Linelle LeMoine’s colourful and lively works transport us to a imaginary wonderland of the natural world. With their dramatic palettes and gestural style, the Toronto-based abstract artist invites us to peer deeper into her layered creations, inspired by her garden her study of biology. In our newest interview, we delve into the creative mind and process of Linelle LeMoine, offering a glimpse into the detailed world of her artistic creations.
And now from the artist herself, LINELLE LEMOINE
All images courtesy of Linelle LeMoine
A conversation with Linelle LeMoine
Caroline Erez : What is your earliest memory of art?
Linelle LeMoine:
As a child growing up, my father had many hobbies: two of which were photography and painting. When he painted, my mother would pick out the palette colours for him because he was colour blind.
CE: Tell us a little more about your journey? How did you become a painter?
LL:
After 18 years of working in psychiatry, I pursued my passion for art and painting at the John Smith School of Art, OCAD, and earned a diploma from the Toronto School of Art in 2003.
CE: What inspires you?
LL: My university degree was focused on biology and psychology – threads that have been repeated in my work and art practice. Always curious, I am drawn to the abstract expressionists such as Cy Twombly and Joan Mitchell because of their mark making and explorative techniques.
CE: Your work is known for its dramatic colour, and textural references to the natural world. Can you tell us about your creative process and how you choose your colour palettes?
LL: There is no intention of an end product with my creative process. Using a variety of mixed media on both canvas and panel, it is a new beginning with every piece. Once I apply a variety of random marks, the paintings and I start a conversation that is both analytic and intuitive. As for palettes, I continue to work with Farrow & Ball house paints because of their complexity; they mix well with my acrylics, inks, oil sticks, and mediums resulting in colours I can’t easily repeat.
CE: What does a day-in-the -work-life look like for you?
LL: A day in my work life means showing up – either for a long time or short time. My backyard studio is a sanctuary where I can freely explore using my messy process. There are no electronic devices, just a radio tuned into a jazz station.
CE: What are your favourite tools and brands to use for your paintings?
LL: Anything that can make a mark would be something I would use in my process. I have boxes of odd mark making items along with old rags, sponges, papers etc.. I like using my hands as well since I consider the mark of the hand important today with may creative processes now driven by computer imagery. As for brands, predominately it is a combination of Golden acrylic paints along with Farrow & Ball house paints.
CE: Do you have any other creative pursuits?
LL: Gardening is another pursuit that in my opinion is no different than my process with a canvas. I work intuitively with the land by sculpting the spaces and then determining what goes in it using either stones, wood, and/or plants.
CE: What’s exciting you most about the creative industry right now?
LL: Yet to be seen for me as a lot of stuff seems dystopian and/or AI driven.
CE: For someone considering investing in art for their home, what advice would you offer in selecting a piece that resonates with them and their space?
LL: I’d say with any selection you have to pick a piece that somehow speaks to you at a gut level and brings joy.
CE: What do you hope viewers take away from your art?
LL: I’d like them to be inspired to look at the layers and be comfortable in thinking what comes to mind.
Final Favourites with Linelle
Colour? Possibly the ones made by combinations that I can’t easily repeat: they make themselves.
Place of inspiration? Backyard studio with a view to the fish pond, garden, and bamboo.
Quote? “I stand in front of a blank canvas and have not a clue as to how I created before.”-Phillip Guston
Work you’ve completed? For the time being, I do have a passion for those dark backgrounds that lend themselves dramatically to a variety of colours.
Guilty Pleasure? Watching excellent shows on TV streaming services.
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Linelle’s otherworldly works truly do capture the imagination and invite closer inspection and contemplation. To view more of her dreamy work, please visit her website or instagram.
At Caroline Erez Design we recognize the transformative power of art in creating unique and inspiring spaces. If you’re intrigued by Linelle’s work and wish to incorporate her art into the interior design of your home, contact us today for a consultation. Together, we’ll select art for your living space, creating an atmosphere that reflects your appreciation for beauty and living an artful life.
