About Stephane Richard
I grew up in eastern New Brunswick, in the country side but also close to the ocean. In my early days of painting I would work on landscapes and seascapes. In my 20s I worked in different styles, from Pop Art to abstract to cubist style works. In my 30s I took some time off from painting altogether. Now I am returning to my roots, by being influenced by nature, in the Annapolis Valley.
Presently, I am working on finding different ways of representing nature either by realistic paintings, linocut prints or mixed media paintings, working with plaster and acrylic paints. Using different colors for the same motif in printmaking makes for different results every time a print is made. I have been using plaster and chalk paint in some of my paintings to give the work an organic feel.
I am also working on a parallel series of motifs, either in paintings or prints. Some works can look like a coat of arms, others like a collage of different motifs, stars, anchors, or fleurs de lys.
In the last year, I have been also working on abstract paintings with paint applied with a wood block.
Getting to know Stéphane
When did you know you wanted to be an artist?
I think since I was in high school. I noticed that the more I practiced, the better the drawings were.
What do you think you would be doing if you weren’t an artist?
I’m a high school teacher and counsellor full time, so I am a part time artist these days.
Have you found any other artists on Squinkbox whose work you admire?
I like the photos of Jacqueline Koh, and the portraits of Molly McLure
Could you tell us about your artistic background and what made you decide to become an artist?
I studied for one year only in the visual arts program at Université de Moncton in Canada. I then switched into the education program.
What advice could you give to young artists starting out?
Just do what you love to do and practice often.
What project are you currently working on?
Some seascapes and landscapes in acrylic. I also do some abstracts just to change the way I think and see things.
What artists, writers, academics, curators and other creative thinkers have influenced your art?
I then appreciated the abstract work of Jackson Pollock. And of course Picasso.
What made you want to take part in a curated collaboration with Squinkbox?
I thought it would be a fun project to take on.
Who inspires you the most?
These days, I am more inspired by my surroundings here in Nova Scotia then any one person.
What is your greatest indulgence in life?
I play the drums in two music groups. And I love to travel.
Why do you love what you do?
Being creative is what drives me to be better in my art and life.
