ABOUT ME
Biography
France Benoit is an encaustic mix media painter/sculptor who lives in Mirabel, Quebec, Canada.
She has especially distinguished herself for her stylized encaustic works, influenced by wabi-sabi. Her art is characterized by textures, colors and shapes that can touch her audience. Always eager to perfect her technique, France attended many workshops and trainings given by professional artists. She was able to appropriate a recognizable and very appreciated personal style by her public.
These years of experience and practice also allowed France to participate in many exhibitions and to be several times awarded for her works. Her presence can be noted at the Mirabel Expo- Concert, at Brilliant Moment in British Columbia, at the Propeller Gallery in Toronto and at the San Antonio Art League and Museum. She is also a newly scholar of the International Encaustic Artist and represented by the Perkins Gallery.
With a keen sense of composition and color, France creates expressive works that draw their inspiration from the joy of human emotions. Her passion for art and her will to share her story with the world make her a determined and committed artist.
Artist statement
After twenty years of painting and experimenting with various mediums, I discovered a true passion for encaustic art. At its core, encaustic art is a medium of beeswax, tree sap mixed with pigments, each layer fused with heat to create depth and luminosity that is unparalleled in other mediums. Working with encaustic is like engaging with a living organism, as the medium has its own rhythm, texture, and vitality. Encaustic also evolves over time, taking on new forms, textures, and nuances as the wax cools and solidifies, reflecting the ever-changing nature of life itself.
My creation process is deeply rooted in my values of humanism and social awareness, serving as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of art as a vehicle for social change and reflection. With every piece I create, I aim to channel my artistic vision, while also expressing empathy, compassion, and advocacy for the social issues that impact our world. I approach each piece with intentionality and mindfulness, carefully considering the ethical implications of the materials and techniques I use.
In my art, I strive to intertwine environmental consciousness by crafting with recycled elements. When using sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, I ensure that my art not only reflects my values but also aligns with them in practice. I also hope to ignite a sense of responsibility towards our planet while celebrating the innate beauty of repurposed resources. Each piece serves as a gentle nudge to viewers, urging them to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the world around them.
Working with encaustic is not just about creating, but also about discovering. In the solitude of my studio, I embark on a deep and personal exploration of my artistic vision. It’s a space where I am free to push the boundaries of my creativity, take risks, and embrace the unknown. Through trial and error, I discover and perfect new techniques, refine my skills and uncover hidden depths within myself as an artist.
My work pays homage to the natural world through an encaustic medium that is both timeless and environmentally friendly. By utilizing beeswax and pigments, I aim to create compositions that resonate with harmony and equilibrium, echoing the delicate balance of our ecosystems. My main goal is to inspire a sense of optimism and possibility, inviting viewers to join me on a journey towards a brighter, more sustainable future.