Tell us about yourself, who are you, where are you from, and what do you do?
Hello, my name is Gaëlle, I am a young illustrator and video maker from France, I am currently based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
What is art to you?
The world we live in is pretty incredible. Beauty is everywhere ; in the way the moon is lit, in the colours and reflections of 20,000 years old stalactites, in the shapes of petals and flowers, or in hanging fabric blown by the wind… To me, Art is somehow a way to pay tribute to the Universe.
What does your typical day look like?
No typical day, although I like starting my day by looking at art blogs or by going to the Art Gallery of Ontario, a great museum close to my place, to get inspired.
What do you hope to accomplish with your work?
I hope to bring something different, new or interesting in people’s life. And to make a living, doing what I like to do.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
“Don’t forget where you come from”. In my opinion, Inspiration that comes from our childhood is the best inspiration an artist can have. Childhood is a time where the mind is free, where the social rules and norms are not fixed in one’s brain yet. I think we need to get back to these childhood memories to make true and sincere art. And as Pablo Picasso said: ‘All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up’.
Any words of wisdom to aspiring artists who want to pursue a similar career?
Same as previous question!
What are your thoughts on art school?
I have not been to an art school. Learning from scratch how to make illustrations, or film, or edit, or animate, works for me, you just have to be really motivated and to find ways to get in touch with other artists. If an artist likes what you are doing, they will spend some of their precious time with you, to help you.
What’s your dream project?
4 years ago, I decided to live in an English-speaking country to improve my English. I chose to come to Canada, and more particularly to Omemee, Ontario, because I am a huge fan of Neil Young ( Omemee is a town where Neil Young grew up). So, my dream project would be to work with Neil Young.
If that ever happens, it would be a “full circle kind of move” from Destiny, and that would be really nice.
Any other artists that you would like to recommend for others to check out as well?
Christopher Mills, Eleanor Davis, Dan Mcpharlin, Matt Connors.
I am listening to Angel Olsen and The Weather Station A LOT these days. Great music to listen to, while working.
Follow Gaëlle Legrand on Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr!
