‘Nature Is My Muse'

Encouraged as a young woman to pursue an office career with a steady income, an artistic path was chosen instead

- Lise-Marielle Fortin

I am happy to share with you my humble story and the pleasure I get from painting. I was born in 1952 in Matane in Gaspésia (Gaspésie). My childhood was steeped in the smell of kelp, the sight of wonderful seascapes and the fury of eastern winter storms. I was one of nine children, three brothers and five sisters, raised in poverty during very hard times. We lived in a small house. The boys slept in one bed and the girls in another. Nights were spent elbowing and kicking each other for space.

My mother’s ancestry was Malecite and my father’s was Micmac. My father started working at lumber camps at the age of ten and suffered abuse from the men. He eventually became an alcoholic, spending most of his hard-earned money on alcohol. Despite his past, he managed to marry and raise a family. He worked hard and became a skilled carpenter. Unable to afford a rifle, he snared wild hares for our meals. He taught me how to skin the hares and tan their hides in the sun. He also taught me how to prepare and cook porcupine stew. Most importantly, he taught me to find peace and contentment in a world that is at times difficult and cruel. He was always so gentle and loving towards me.