In the town of Vankleek Hill, Ontario, artist Gabrielle Charlebois weaves together nature, history, and art through her unique creations. Specializing in dried flowers, furniture upcycling and watercolour paintings of local homes, Gabrielle’s work resonates with the community, capturing the ephemeral beauty of nature and the endless charm of beloved homes. Her studio located at The Creating Centre of VKH serves as a nest for her unique creations.
Gabrielle’s artistic journey is fueled by a deep respect for the environment and a passion for storytelling. Her upcycled furniture, embodies both elegance and sustainability, breathing new life into old pieces. Her watercolour paintings, on the other hand, serve as heartfelt tributes to the homes that hold countless stories of life and community.

To understand Gabrielle’s creative process and inspirations, we explored her work through five key questions:

* What sparked your interest in working with dried flowers, and how do you select them?

* My love for gardening began with my first apartment. Over the years, as I developed the landscapes of our properties, my passion for flowers, especially the layered, colourful look of English cottage gardens, grew. I’ve always enjoyed creating fresh bouquets and drying them to enjoy throughout the winter. About two years ago, I began experimenting with dried floral wreaths, using the abundance of flowers I had. Through trial and error, I discovered which flowers retained their color and shape best, and which were sturdy enough for long-lasting arrangements. This experience informs my flower selection process even now.

* Can you describe your upcycling process, including the challenges you encounter and how you overcome them?

* Upcycling antiques and furniture presents various challenges. With over ten years of experience restoring antiques, I’ve learned the importance of careful examination before beginning any work. This helps determine what’s salvageable and what will make a great showpiece, versus what’s beyond repair. Wise selection lightens the workload and improves results. Refinishing furniture can also expose you to potentially toxic products used in the past, so a good workspace, ventilation, and protective gear are essential. Other challenges include repairing damage, recreating missing woodwork, finding matching hardware, and understanding how different wood grains react to stains. Overcoming these challenges makes restoring a piece destined for the landfill or thrift store all the more rewarding.

* What do you aim to capture in your watercolour house portraits beyond the physical structure, and what emotions or memories do you hope to evoke?

* I create commissioned watercolour house portraits, including wedding portraits. When painting century homes, I often place them in a landscape reminiscent of the era they were built, removing modern elements like power lines and asphalt and incorporating period-appropriate gardens. I aim to create a dreamy vision of the home, emphasizing flowers and greenery for a welcoming feel. For wedding portraits, I strive for romance and magic, highlighting the couple and using whimsical colours to evoke passion and happiness.

* How does living in Vankleek Hill influence your art, and are there any local landmarks or stories that have particularly impacted your work?

* Living in Vankleek Hill has greatly influenced my perspective on century homes. The town has a mix of residents: those who cherish these homes as gems to be preserved, and those who see them as too much work. Being surrounded by such diverse architecture is inspiring. I love painting homes whether inhabited or not, in good condition or disrepair. It’s the mystery and history they embody that adds another dimension to their beauty. These homes, in all their states, reflect different seasons of life, offering endless inspiration. The close-knit community and support for local artisans are also remarkable. Since moving here two years ago, I’ve been humbled by the warm welcome and the numerous opportunities for artists, from markets and the Arbor Gallery to art studios and classes. It’s refreshing and inspiring to connect with fellow artists and see how the community embraces art and music.

* What advice would you offer aspiring artists looking to uniquely blend nature and art?

* My advice to aspiring artists is to practice diligently and refine your style. The more you practice and put yourself out there, the more opportunities will arise. Don’t wait for “perfection” to offer your services. Immerse yourself in nature; it’s an endless source of inspiration. Find new and innovative ways to create and perfect your craft regularly.

Gabrielle’s work will be exhibited at the Arbor Gallery from February 15th to the first week of March. Follow the link to learn more: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BTQr1u8x6/

You can find more of her art on Facebook:
Gabrielle Artiste (watercolour), https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564875668428

Les Jardins de Gabrielle (flowers), https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094177711076 

White Horse Furniture Refinishing (antiques), https://www.facebook.com/whitehorsecustomwork