Céleste Gagnon loves art and nature.
And while she has made a successful career as a freelance illustrator, Gagnon, originally from Toronto and moved to Rockland three years ago, was so captivated by the nature and wildlife surrounding the region she now calls home, she decided it was time to do something for herself – rediscovering why she fell in love with illustrating in the first place.
“Sometimes, we really forget why we fell in love with something in the first place, because it becomes a job and can be repetitive and you lose sight on why you wanted to be an illustrator,” said Gagnon. “When we moved here, I was just so blown away by how beautiful this region is and it is surrounded by so much natural space and complete ecosystems. I just had to capture what I was seeing.”
Gagnon’s love for Clarence-Rockland’s nature and wildlife is on display at the Clarence-Rockland Art Gallery, which is located on the main level of the YMCA Cultural and Recreational Complex at 1525 du Parc Avenue.
“I really hope that people come and enjoy what I have done,” said Gagnon. “As I was creating these pieces, I really rediscovered my love and passion for illustrating. I just remembered why I wanted to do this in the first place.”
Gagnon’s extensive client list and partnerships includes working with Kids Can Press, WWF Canada, the City of Markham’s Green Print Sustainability program and Parks Ontario.
She is a graduate of Sheridan College’s Illustration program.
“I am proud of myself, really, to this, because it is important to me,” said Gagnon of her exhibit at the Clarence-Rockland Art Gallery. “I have no regrets moving here, it’s away from the hustle and bustle of Toronto.”
Gagnon has decided that once a week, she’s going to spend time illustrating for herself, giving her the balance she wants with her work life.
“Since I have been here, I have never seen so many moose in my life,” she said. “I am used to seeing my stuff published, but it’s usually for someone else who asked me to do something for them. So, this is a nice change from that.”
For more information, on Céleste Gagnon, visit celestegagnon.wordpress.com.
The Clarence-Rockland Art Gallery is open during YMCA regular business hours and is wheelchair accessible. Admission is free.
Gallery exhibitions feature the work of local artists working in all types of media. The gallery hosts a total of approximately 10 exhibitions annually, each of which lasts roughly four weeks.
