Artists

5 Minutes with Marie Manon Corbeil

Marie Manon Corbeil is a Canadian artist whose paintings have been featured in solo exhibitions nationally. Realizing that life’s difficulties provided her with a new means of expression, Corbeil wants to convey a sense of joy within her contemporary abstract works. She draws forms and writes positive words under each canvas before beginning a piece. Employing large brushes to provoke unplanned strokes, she also uses her fingers to optimize the vibrant colors in her compositions.

When did you know you wanted to be an artist?

As a young child, I admired my dad when he was painting. It is only in my forties that I really felt the need to paint and create. 

It wasn’t until 2013 when I stepped away from my professional role in a traditional job to paint full-time. I felt that I needed to paint to fill a space within, I was focused on my paintings and how my practice could become a business.

I ate, slept, and breathed art whether it was for new inspirations, techniques, mediums, or ideas that could be implemented.

I wanted to learn as much as she could about painting and took classes and workshops from a variety of instructors to hone my craft. It became clear to me that my style of work was more interpretive and abstract in nature. I wanted to create energetic lively paintings that bring joy to the viewer, bold confident mark-making and exciting color became part of my voice.

The ice is Melting-Homage to Joan Mitchell, (2021), Marie Manon Corbeil

Can you talk about your artistic influences and other artists you are most inspired by?

I always loved abstract paintings and was intrigued early in my career by Joan Mitchell. She is a great inspiration as a woman who has been able to paint and be successful as a woman in a world where only men were great artists. 

Do you prefer to work alone or to collaborate with others?

 I prefer to work alone, I am a loner like many painters.  I need to be concentrate, in my bubble, and not be disturbed.  When I feel my creativity is at its strong, I never want to stop painting until the painting is done. I have my little rescue dog in the studio with and she always admires my work.

You look like a need a drink, (2021), Marie Manon Corbeil, Canada

Can you tell us about a project you’re currently working on?

I am working on my series Women by Woman, Flowers and more Flowers and The bigger.  When creating a painting with women I am insisted by races, color, status but my goal is to promote friendship, show emotions, and loving each other.  My series on flowers are my interpretation of feelings through nature, like my most recent one “Cherry on top of my head.” Fire, love, sadness, and hope.

My future goal is to find a residency in Europe. It is one of my cherished dreams to paint in vineries or on top of a hill in Italy and sharing ideas with other artists from around the world.

What do you think you would be doing if you weren’t an artist?

I would work in fashion or be an interior designer.  I have an eye for color and love to try new inspirations. I am also a fashionista and it shows in my women’s paintings.

Have you found any other artists on SINGULART whose work you admire?

I admire a lot of artists on SINGULART. Some for where they are in their career and how they achieved it or sometimes just browsing and wondering why they would do it in a certain way.  I refuse to judge others artists and prefer to appreciate what they create even if it is not my style.

Travelling Again, (2021), Marie Manon Corbeil, 

What advice could you give to young artists starting out? 

Be passionate about what you do, make decisions that will increase your visibility in your marketplace. If a door closes don’t forget that there are many other doors.

Never stop trying, paint every day, don’t get discouraged when it is an ugly painting you just created, we all create ugly paintings and it is the best way to learn and try harder. Practice your creativity, you may have the talent to draw, but creativity will make your paintings a lot more interesting.

Click here to view Marie Manon’s SINGULART profile!