Saint-Lazare multidisciplinary artist Madeleine Turgeon learned on Wednesday that her work Hope-Full-Nest had won the People's Choice Award. More than 300 votes were tallied at the Mosaicists of Canada 2023 exhibition, held in Vancouver at the McMillan Arts Center in July and August. His Hope-Full-Nest mosaic stood out.

"The title, "Hope-Full-Nest" emphasizes the positivity and optimism associated with growth and change, reminding us of the power of resilience and the willingness to adapt. It highlights the potential for growth and renewal, even in the most difficult of circumstances," said the artist in presenting his work.

A passion for nests

As Turgeon explained to Néomédia, her passion for nests goes back a long way. "Hope-Full-Nest is one of some twenty works related to nests," explains the artist. 

"I've always been drawn to nature. When my daughters left home, my passion for nests developed further, in a quest no doubt to continue the deep bond that unites us, and to elaborate on the concept of family," adds the nature lover. 

"I also collect fallen birds' nests, she confesses. I have around thirty of them. I'm fascinated by these works created laboriously for the family with twigs, straw and branches. Unfortunately, more and more of them are showing the human footprint, with bits of string, metal and plastic intermingled in them," she saddens.

Turgeon talks about her latest project: "I've just finished a mural with young people of all ages from the Pointe-des-Cascades day camps. It will be unveiled tomorrow. Each young person has made a contribution. It's amazing how a mural brings life to a space."

Always looking for new projects

An indefatigable Madeleine Turgeon describes what motivates her: "One day, I stopped exhibiting in art galleries, because I always ask myself the question: What can I do differently? I don't want to repeat the same creative activity over and over again. Each work is a springboard for the next inspiration."

Starting with an idea, Madeleine Turgeon looks for materials and chooses colors. For example, the base of the nests is made from hundreds of small pieces to which she has added branches by hand, with paint to give a final three-dimensional work. she continues. The mosaics are made up of fragments of stone, colored stone, enamel, glass and so on.

As you can see, Madeleine Turgeon never stops creating in her head and in her works. What feeds her: "I love cultural mediation, turning on young people, contact with nature; it all contributes to my mental equilibrium," she maintains.

What's next

After the Pointe-des-Cascades mural, the artist is preparing to launch a future project in Victoriaville with a group of newcomers, many of African origin. "We're going to design faces together to represent them, then place them on a mobile we'll create." 

"I'm trying to teach young people and everyone else that painting on walls is a privilege and that you can't just put anything on them," concludes the artist.