{"id":651873,"date":"2026-05-06T16:19:12","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T16:19:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/651873\/"},"modified":"2026-05-06T16:19:12","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T16:19:12","slug":"blainville-artist-paints-through-adversity-with-canadiens-inspired-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/651873\/","title":{"rendered":"Blainville artist paints through adversity with Canadiens-inspired work"},"content":{"rendered":"

In a studio on Montreal\u2019s North Shore, Catherine Lavoie<\/a> paints with a focus on movement, emotion and connection \u2014 an approach shaped as much by lived experience as by formal training.<\/p>\n

Based in Blainville, Lavoie has spent the past seven years developing a body of work that reaches collectors across Quebec. <\/p>\n

Trained in visual arts, she often turns to the Montreal Canadiens during the playoffs as a source of inspiration, using her work to reflect a broader goal of bringing people together.<\/p>\n

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Blainville artist Catherine Lavoie holds one of her Montreal Canadiens\u2013inspired paintings. (Submitted by: Catherine Lavoie)<\/p>\n

Her ties to Montreal run deep, strengthened during her university years in the city.<\/p>\n

\u201cI come from the North Shore, but since I was young, I\u2019ve often gone to Montreal. I spent my university years there, and between the inspiration, the art and the energy of the city, everything left a deep impression on me. Montreal is beautiful and the people are incredibly inspiring,\u201d she told CityNews.<\/p>\n

Early beginnings at home<\/p>\n

Lavoie\u2019s artistic path began in her childhood bedroom, where she started creating more than a decade ago.<\/p>\n

\u201cI started creating in my bedroom at my parents\u2019 house 12 years ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

As her interest grew, her family created space for her work \u2014 turning part of their home into a gallery where she could meet clients while completing her studies.<\/p>\n

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Blainville artist Catherine Lavoie holds one of her Montreal Canadiens\u2013inspired paintings. (Submitted by: Catherine Lavoie)<\/p>\n

She says painting became central to her life in early adulthood.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve always been creative, but painting really entered my life in my 20s, during CEGEP.\u201d<\/p>\n

Creating through adversity<\/p>\n

In recent months, Lavoie\u2019s work has taken on added significance as she navigates serious health challenges.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy art has always been present during the most difficult moments, especially this year.\u201d<\/p>\n

She has spent the past seven months dealing with a brain tumour \u2014 believed to be benign \u2014 and a rare inner ear condition affecting her balance and hearing.<\/p>\n

Following surgery, she continues to focus on recovery while maintaining her artistic practice.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just underwent surgery on my head and ear, in the hope of returning to my previous life.\u201d<\/p>\n

She says her work is grounded in creating moments of joy for others.<\/p>\n

\u201cI love sharing and creating moments for people. I love making people happy, and through my painting, I believe I transmit joy and happiness.\u201d<\/p>\n

An instinctive and energetic style<\/p>\n

Lavoie\u2019s work moves between abstraction and figuration, guided by instinct and emotion.<\/p>\n

\u201cEmotions, spontaneity, the present moment and instinct are my main sources of energy to create. Nothing is fixed \u2014 everything can evolve.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her paintings aim to capture both movement and feeling, with energy at the centre of each piece.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy style lies between abstract and figurative in order to capture emotion and movement.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Blainville artist Catherine Lavoie holds one of her Montreal Canadiens\u2013inspired paintings. (Submitted by: Catherine Lavoie)<\/p>\n

That energy, she says, is what defines her work.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy signature can be recognized through the energy I put into my painting.\u201d<\/p>\n

She adds that each piece is one-of-a-kind, and no prints or copies are available. <\/p>\n

Inspired by hockey and shared experience<\/p>\n

Hockey \u2014 particularly the Montreal Canadiens \u2014 remains a recurring influence in her work.<\/p>\n

\u201cLike many people, I love sports that bring people together. I find that the Montreal Canadiens are among the best at creating that sense of unity.\u201d<\/p>\n

Building a career through connection<\/p>\n

Lavoie first gained visibility through social media, where she began selling her work and building an audience. That exposure led to several years of gallery exhibitions before she transitioned to working independently.<\/p>\n

\u201cI started selling thanks to social media. Over time, I built a name for myself, then exhibited in galleries for five years.\u201d<\/p>\n

She continues to rely on digital platforms while seeking new opportunities.<\/p>\n

\u201cSocial media remains, in my opinion, the best tool for visibility.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Blainville artist Catherine Lavoie holds one of her Montreal Canadiens\u2013inspired paintings. (Submitted by: Catherine Lavoie)<\/p>\n

Looking ahead<\/p>\n

At the core of Lavoie\u2019s work is a desire to create connection and positivity.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have always been someone who loves life and people. There is so much negativity in the world that I believe simple things can bring people together and help us love more.\u201d<\/p>\n

She hopes her work will continue to resonate over time.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would also like that, over time, my art grows to such an extent that when my children are older, my works continue to live on and be recognized.\u201d<\/p>\n

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