Gabrielle St-Amamt is shown at her booth during a recent event in Russell, Ontario. Thompson Goddard Photo

EMBRUN – There is something absolutely breathtaking in the impression style art of Gabrielle St-Amamt in the village of Embrun in the Township of Russell. She is an insurance agent, enjoys gardening as well as “learning new skills to be more self -sufficient” but in her after work time is an accomplished artist.

In her art, St-Amamt uses acrylic paint utilizing different sizes of putty knives/paint scrapers and paint brushes to create her art in a style which has been described as “Impressionism with optical mixing.” This art genre is a technique which utilizes the blending of colours by the viewer seeing them side by side and blending them optically instead of the artist literally blending them.

“I started painting in March of 2022, but only started selling them to the public in May of 2023” she commented. This was in response to family and friends who expressed a desire to purchase them as well as receiving affirmation and orders from strangers on her art.

She began painting in response to having “an itch to paint” and since then has expanded her field of creativity to include not only canvas pieces, but also on mugs, iPhone cases and water bottles with more changes on the horizon. St-Amamt explained future plans include increasing her products to include t-shirts, mugs, journals, etc. which will have not only her art but also have “motivational sayings on them” printed on them. As well there are plans to provided one on one “abstract paint workshops and various different types of one on one and group abstract painting workshops.

When asked about her reasons for starting the business, she replied there were several reasons, including how “it fills my heart” and continued it brings her joy to see “people light up when they see my pieces and they themselves light up.” St-Amant concluded by saying how it is her “way of spreading love and light in hopes the people who witness it feel inspired to do the same in their own unique way.” She noted that “Gab’s Studio will be a place for art, light, community and creations that inspire. I can’t wait to share it all with you.”

The biggest challenge which she has faced and overcome is the development of confidence in her artistic abilities overcoming the anxiety felt when considering new avenues of artistic expression. “So, it’s a matter of not listening to my safety mechanisms and insecurities and to just go for it” she explained.

St-Amamt concluded the interview by commenting “There are things people cannot see, that only your unique light can reveal. Let your light radiate brightly. The world needs more of it”

More information on Gab’s Studio is available by texting or calling 613-361-9419, by email at gabsstudiocreations@gmail.com or following her on Instagram @Gabs_Studio or visiting Gab’s Studio on Facebook. There are plans to launch a website in the near future with an address of www.Gabsstudio.com.

If you would like to have a light shined on your business, please contact us at: editor@etceterapublications.ca or call us at 613-448-2321.