Janique Art: Redefining Art through Connection, Exploration, and Inspiration | Falyn Hunter Morningstar | 12-2024
Based in Quebec, Canada, Janique Grenier is a versatile artist driven by a passion for self-expression and connection. With a background in various art forms, she creates vibrant and captivating pieces inspired by her diverse experiences. Janique's work reflects her unwavering belief in the transformative power of creativity and her desire to foster meaningful connections with others through art. From her experience as a machine operator to her artistic journey as a visual artist, Janique continues to evolve and inspire.
Let’s dive into the interview!
Your incredible artwork showcases a beautiful blend of realism and contemporary style. Can you share the artistic influences and creative inspirations that have shaped your distinctive aesthetic?
My artistic journey began with a profound admiration for Hieronymus Bosch. His work captivated me with its impressive and mystical qualities, drawing me into a world rich in fantasy and symbolism. From a young age, I found myself immersed in paranormal stories and esoteric literature, which fueled my imagination and shaped my unique perspective.
Throughout my journey, I’ve been fortunate to connect with remarkable artists. Niko served as my mentor, guiding me through my artistic development, while Gilford Jean-Jacques, also known as Artist Fod, became my co-creator during our time at "Artistes de la Lumière." Collaborating with other creators has been incredibly powerful, enriching my art and expanding my horizons.
My travels have also played a significant role in my artistic evolution. After discovering yoga, I spent eight transformative years in Australia, where I drew inspiration from the vibrant landscapes and diverse cultures. Additionally, my travels across Asia further enriched my artistic vision.
I view my art as an intimate journal, a means of expression that transcends verbal communication, which has never been my strongest suit. Through my work, I aim to convey my thoughts and emotions, inviting viewers into my fantastical world.
We see that you use watercolors to bring your vibrant paintings to life. What draws you to this medium, and how do you explore its fluidity and transparency to capture the essence of your subjects?
In my art practice, I embrace a mixed media approach, utilizing materials such as crayon, acrylic, charcoal, oil pastel, collage, tissue paper, and gelly plate. This combination allows me to create unique textures and markings that bring my work to life. I have a deep love for abstract art, often starting with bilateral drawing to establish a sense of balance and symmetry.
For me, art is not just a creative outlet; it’s a form of therapy. I incorporate art therapy techniques into my process, which helps me explore my emotions and experiences. This practice not only enriches my work but also allows me to connect with others on a deeper level. I find that the act of creating is a healing journey, and I’m passionate about sharing that experience through my art.
Your personal journey is as inspiring as your art, having faced the challenges of addiction and found solace in the healing power of art and yoga. Can you share how these practices have played a crucial role in your life, and what message would you like to send to others who might be going through a similar struggle? Your story serves as a testament to the transformative potential of creativity and mindfulness.
Absolutely, I'd love to share my journey if it can help someone else. I struggled with drug addiction for many years, which was compounded by a dependent personality and sensitivity. Throughout my recovery, I discovered the transformative power of art and yoga. These practices provided me with a safe space to express and process difficult emotions, traumas, and the anxiety and depression I faced.
Through art, I was able to channel my feelings creatively, which not only helped me cope but also fostered a sense of identity beyond my past struggles. Yoga, on the other hand, taught me mindfulness and self-awareness, allowing me to detach from my dependencies and build confidence in myself.
Inspired by my own healing journey, I became a yoga instructor and a holistic art therapist. I now dedicate my life to helping others find the same healing and empowerment through these practices. Ultimately, these experiences have been instrumental in my personal growth, helping me to become a more resilient and independent individual.
Your creative process involves layering colors and meticulous brushwork. Can you walk us through the steps you take to build depth and dimension in your pieces, and how you know when a work is complete?
I love to work on square canvases or on 36x48 dimensions. My process begins with bilateral drawing markings and an abstract approach. I enjoy exploring the depth created by the initial layers, often utilizing the canvas of old paintings that I no longer favor, which adds complexity and texture to my new creations. After that, I choose a picture of a face that resonates with me, and I build my canvas around that image, crafting the story I want to share through my artwork.
I find it challenging to determine when a piece is truly complete. For me, the process involves a lot of introspection and emotional engagement. I often reach a point where I feel I’ve expressed enough, but it’s only after I’ve calmed the noise in the painting and achieved a sense of balance that I know it’s finished. It’s a delicate dance between intuition and technique, and when everything aligns, that’s when I realize the work is complete.
Many of your pieces feature floral motifs, stunning wildlife, and captivating portraits. What is the symbolism behind these recurring themes, and how do they reflect your artistic vision?
In my art piece, the personages are at the center of the drawing. Everything else around them is meant to describe thoughts and emotions. The nature and flowers represent divine qualities, creating a harmonious connection between humanity and the natural world.
I’ve depicted windows in the characters' chests to symbolize their soul journeys; these windows represent wisdom that leads us to our highest selves. Each door teaches us something valuable, reminding us that our bodies are our temples. It’s important for us to learn to be in tune with our inner nature. Ultimately, I believe we are all creators, shaping our own experiences and realities.
You've mentioned that painting is a form of meditation for you, allowing you to find a sense of calm and focus. How does your mental state influence your art, and do you have any specific techniques to cultivate this sense of mindfulness during your creative process?
Meditation is an integral part of my daily life. I see it as an appointment with the artist within me. When I sit in meditation, I open myself up to inspiration, allowing it to flow freely. However, inspiration can strike at any moment throughout the day—whether I'm listening to a podcast, walking in nature, or even doing the dishes. Whenever an idea comes to me, I make sure to jot it down for later use on the canvas.
I truly believe that if I have an idea, many others around me likely share that spark of creativity as well. The field of inspiration is a vibrant, living entity that connects us all. We all experience and express these vibrations in our unique ways, which makes the creative process even more fascinating.
As a professional artist, what challenges have you faced in turning your passion into a successful career, and what advice would you give to aspiring artists looking to make their mark in the industry?
What’s challenging for me as a visual artist is that not everyone will love what I do, but I choose to create anyway. I embrace all forms of art and make it a point to do it regularly, regardless of whether I sell anything. I know I need to become good at promoting my work. I'm lucky to be at Maël Gallery in Montreal; it's been a while since I've exhibited in a gallery but when I’ve moved back to Montreal from Australia I’ve been lucky to find this gallery they do good job for the artist la , I continue to explore avenues that will lead to more exposure . I also love doing solo exhibitions every year—I enjoy meeting people and sharing my art.
I prioritize myself as an artist, but I also recognize the need to keep eating, which means sometimes I have to work other jobs. Staying active on social media is essential, and I make sure to take breaks to refresh and reconnect with the artist inside me. Balance is truly the best teacher. I constantly explore ways to gain more exposure because, as an artist, I often find myself creating in the studio and spending less time in public. I remind myself to just be it.
In the digital tapestry of the online world, you've skillfully woven a captivating presence through your website and social media platforms. How has harnessing the power of digital marketing helped you cultivate your brand, and which approaches have proven most impactful in fostering genuine connections with your audience?
