ABOUT THE ARTIST
I am self-taught mostly and inspired by what I see before me on the canvas as I move paint around, building layers, and following shapes. It is where the magic hides.
I picked up my brushes for good at the age of 60 because this time, artist and soul united and decided that it was time. Between the girl I was growing up in Edmundston and the woman I’ve become; a lot of living happened. Busy growing a great life, blessed with all the ups and downs that make it real, and forever grateful for all that has come my way.
I always wanted to be good at art, but I could never quite stay with it long enough to find a level of comfort. Throughout my adult life there were many brush-ups with art along the way. We danced and flirted as I imagined all the beautiful art I hoped I would create one day. And that is how this journey began as I picked up my brushes. Art happened when I let it happen, in all the love and life I could give the canvas, it bloomed with the stories of my soul.
LISE BELLEFLEUR
Painting for me has become a very intuitive and spiritual experience. Like making a commitment to myself to spend time inward, to listen and take the pulse. As I started to practice consistently it cleared the way for clear communication between my mind and soul. I feel guided and supported, like I cannot fail at this. Each brushstroke, like the intricate dance between artist and soul, a relationship bound by the threads of destiny.
It is a nice feeling to get to that place where there are lots of interesting options on the canvas, and it is time to explore the connections, and acknowledge the strong presences about the canvas. I love getting to the detail part where I can go for hours creating depth and nuances.
My art is my soul. As you browse through my gallery, you will see my obsession with faces. It is my favourite way still, to capture the mood of the story. The characters, soul depictions show up throughout my process even when I am deliberately staying away from them. It never fails, at the end they always end up in prominent places. They are pieces of humanity in its truest and finest regalia; from their colourful and detailed costumes to the emotion of their Soul boasting the biggest and smallest of personalities. Some to be admired, others feigned. They keep the chatter alive; mystical and spiritual. Like parallel world depictions of soul existing where we are, within ourselves, in nature, space and time.
They are honest; showing good and bad, light and dark, obscurity and enlightenment. We are made of all these contradictions within ourselves. The soul brings it to light so it can be seen and integrated as a whole. Only then can the battle be abated, and wholeness can form. I am who I am, and that includes all this, living simultaneously in me, either in harmony or in opposition.
THE ARTIST - A LIFE
Born in Edmundston New Brunswick, in a traditional family of two parents and five children. I resided in Edmundston for the first 25 years; completing a post-secondary diploma programme in Recreation and Leisure Management at University de Moncton, Edmundston Campus, started a career in government that lasted over 35 years. I moved to Fredericton after 5 years, where I remained for the rest of my working life.
The first 15 years of my career were shaped by front line experience, in the trenches; where human turmoil brews and consequences shape lives; for all those touched by it. Seeing the impact of the darker side of life; in incarcerated individuals, victims of crime, social housing and violence against women, revealed the many faces of despair. I brought these lenses forward with me. The last 10 or so years of my career were in policy.
Twelve years into my career, I enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Work at Saint Thomas University. With credits from previous studies, I was able to complete the program in 2.5 years and that is what I did. I embarked on that journey wholeheartedly, embraced it all; even the delay in getting here. My life at this point already steeped in lived experience, made the learning more relevant. I nourished my soul, fulfilling a life-long desire. The following year, married and we started a family, and my career blossomed between maternity leaves. Our two children filled our souls as we made our way as a family, growing and learning together, chasing nature adventures through camping, hiking, skiing and biking. Our children, now grown and enjoying lives of their own, never miss the opportunity to have some of our family gatherings re-visiting our favorites places and activities.
My husband and I, are enjoying retirement in a small ski community that we’ve adopted as our year round home, on Crabbe Mountain, Central Hainesville New Brunswick. Our journey couldn’t have led us to a better place.