Time has slowed down and that’s great for me!
Quebec printmaker and teacher Céline Goudreau talks in this interview, about how confinement has opened opportunity for new pathways into her printmaking. Celine spent time at Green Olive Arts in Fall 2019 for a group residency with three other printmaker friends whom she has known for many years. The group is part of Zocalo printmaking center in Quebec. This post is part of a series of interviews with former artists in residence at Green Olive Arts asking how this season of social distancing and postponed cultural mobility has impacted them.
Green Olive Arts AiR Interview with Céline Goudreau
Céline, how have you had to flex or pivot your art practice in this unprecedented season of home confinement? What are you currently working on in your studio at home?
This spring was supposed to be very busy for me. I had a solo exhibition running, but after only one week, the lock down abruptly suspended everything that was planned. I had different teaching opportunities scheduled and I was about to realize a big mural with children in a school. I was very excited about all those things. I also had planned to do a series of large prints, but the printmaking center where I go closed. I had to change plans!
Furtunately, I have a studio at home, so I did a big clean up to make my place more functional and warm. It took me a while to feel at home. At first, I didn’t know where to start. I procrastinated a few days, but then, the pleasure of creation got stronger and now I feel my studio is a very special place for me to be!
Céline Goudreau in her studio, 2020
At first, I was obsessed with the virus. In my art work the confinement, the distancing and “it’s going to be fine” were my main subjects. Then, as I couldn’t go to Zocalo studios to print, I made an inventory of my prints and I decided to transform some of them with mixed media techniques. I changed my approach. Instead of focusing on the negative side of the pandemic, I now focus more on the encounter of lines, shapes and textures. Painting in a spontaneous and intuitive way helps me to have a sense of pleasure and satisfaction. Of course, my feelings of what is happening are unconsciously very present in those lines, shapes and textures.
Confinement by Celine Goudreau, 2020
What does creative community and/or social sanity look like for you right now? How are you staying connected and grounded?
I regularly zoom in with my artist friends. We talk about what our lives in confinement are like and what we are working on. It allows us to exchange. I also have a lot of time to explore social media. I discovered visual artists from all over the world who work with the technique of collagraphy, which is my primary printmaking method. I have been teaching this process for 7 years. I signed up for an online engraving course and found new ways of approaching it. It will certainly change the way I teach. It’s very inspiring!
To stay grounded, I go for walks in the neighborhood and I meditate with a group online. It allows me to have a time to “stop” and helps me calm my anxiety.
Where the Wind Takes Us #1, by Céline Goudreau, 2020
Where the Wind Takes Us #2, by Céline Goudreau, 2020
What insights about creativity in a time of crisis can you share with other artists? What have you been learning?
I am grateful to have a place to stay and food to eat. Unfortunately, it is hard for a lot of people who suffer from the actual situation, not having work or food.
Time has slowed down and that’s great for me. It helps me to work on my patience and on the importance of not controlling everything. I’m learning to let go. When I am in a creative process, I like “lose control” and just be “here and now.” Art helps me to stay grounded. I have a lot to learn in my own life. Sometimes, fear gets on the way. When I realize it, I try to focus on what is essential. When I get involved in the creative process and when I stay open, spontaneous and confident, I feel a lot of joy. That’s when I feel a sense of connection with myself and I am very thankful for that.
Patience, by Céline Goudreau, 2020
What is happening right now is universal. Wherever we are in the world, we are all affected. I feel a connection with nature and the universe more than ever right now. We are part of something greater than us and we have no other choices than being in the present moment and following the flow.
See more of Céline’s art on her website www.celinegoudreau.com and Facebook and Instagram – @celinegoudreau
Éboulement, by by Céline Goudreau, 2020
Click here to see other Covid19 AiR Interviews
Subscribe below, to receive notifications by email of new posts