Amélie Bolduc-Monette

From her first photography exhibition at 16 to the upcoming launch of Galerie ABM, artist Amélie Bolduc-Monette has forged a bold and deeply personal creative path. In this conversation, she opens up about her process, her tools, her inspirations, and what it truly means to live life as an artist.

You exhibited your first photography series at just 16 years old. What did that early experience teach you about yourself as an artist?

At that point in my life I had unwavering confidence. I threw myself into every project and wanted to stand out. It should be said that during high school I was part of a specialized Arts & Culture program at Mitchell/Montcalm school in Sherbrooke, and my artistic and musical talents were already evident. I wanted to fully live out that creative momentum, and Montreal was the inevitable destination to fulfill all my ambitions. Once I arrived in Montreal, I quickly realized there were many artists around me sharing the same dreams. I put myself on hold during my DEC in Design. I drew in my spare time, but mostly produced renderings for my courses. I felt it was all much bigger than me. A hard blow for a young artist from the regions, full of ambition.

You work with palette knives rather than brushes on large formats. What does this particular tool give you that a brush could not?

It isn't even the tool I always preferred, but in 2016 when I created my large format piece "Loup Marin," it was what I wanted to use and it stuck with me. The palette knife allows me to make broad, sweeping movements while also challenging me with minute details. I love the freedom of color and direction that the palette knife gives me; I find it more spontaneous while still remaining controlled.

How does a new collection come to life for you? Is it an idea, an emotion, an image that triggers everything?

I thrive on challenge! I try to question myself and find an idea that connects me to the present and sparks shared emotion. For example, after the pandemic, I needed an escape. My imaginary travels took me to places around the world I had never set foot in. Extensive research; a concept developed in detail, a postcard as an invitation, and a passport to travel through the exhibition. Everything about that show was thought through: photography, invitation, media, music playlist, artistic statement, signature. Generally, a collection of 18 to 25 paintings takes nearly 18 months to conceive. I always start with a working plan where more than 85% of the collection's ideas are already clear in my head. Sometimes I already have the title; other times I have the composition and the subject. Since time stretches between collections and special commissions, direction is extremely important. I even put on loop a music playlist that influences the movements and intensity specific to each collection. I still can't get over it… A collection can stay with me for a long time.

You have given several live painting performances. Does painting in front of an audience change something in your process or in the final result?

Absolutely! It takes a great deal of preparation and a clear action plan. The idea must be settled before you begin, because there is no possibility of a private bubble… You have to be impervious to comments and believe in your outcome. The hardest part is undoubtedly painting live outdoors because of the weather: one day it pours rain and the paint never dries. The next day it's blazing hot and it dries too fast! Large formats are definitely to be avoided!

The pandemic upended the art world, yet you managed to exhibit in September 2020. How did you get through that period?

That exhibition was thanks to my lucky star… Garden Party | La vie est une fête took place right in the middle of the pandemic. I started it at the end of 2019, with no idea of the dramatic future ahead. I wanted to celebrate joy, innocence, and "life" as we knew it… It was a breath of fresh air that did people good. In the end, people showed up — masks, distancing, and curfews notwithstanding. By nature very optimistic, my escape from lockdown was color and nostalgia. There is nothing like children to bring you back to pure happiness. "Le Carrousel" defined that exhibition — at that moment, who wouldn't have wanted to take a ride?

Name an artist who inspires you and tell us why.

I have several: Marc-Aurèle Fortin, Riopelle, Lemieux, Adèle Blais, Rose Cantin. In terms of art history, I love the Renaissance and the evolution toward Cubism — what a shift! What they all have in common are textures, interpretations of light, and a distinctiveness that is rooted in their time. This question makes me realize I love many styles and artists — past and present, revolutionaries and great classics alike. I sincerely believe that every era marks the imagination. Every artist brings their own set of intentions and emotions.

You are soon launching Galerie ABM. What is your vision for this space within Montreal's artistic landscape?

I hope that emerging and established artists will make the space their own, love the neighborhood, and make the walls of this gallery vibrate. As for me, I am eager to mount my next collections in an environment perfectly suited to my needs. I hope this gallery will give people in the neighborhood unforgettable experiences — absorbing new things, sometimes being shocked, and moved as well. If someone walks through the door having never invested in a work of art but leaves with a piece they fell in love with, then it's a success.

What advice would you give to a young artist who hesitates to put themselves out there and show their work to the public?

I would start by saying that I understand! It is a major investment and commitment. Authenticity is everything. I would also say never to underestimate joy, happiness, and pleasure… Art should not feel heavy — it is a liberation. A solid concept, a well-crafted story, surrounding yourself with the right people. A lot of boldness, a deep breath, a positive vibe, and the show is on… That's the artist's life!

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To learn and see more of Amélie Bolduc-Monette's work: website + Instagram.