New exhibit brings fantasy to Station Arts

Artist Lindsey Liboiron stands in front of several of her paintings on display at the Station Arts Centre. Her exhibit runs until April 25. (Jeff Helsdon Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

Artist Lindsey Liboiron’s exhibit “The Living Woods” brings fantasy to the Station Arts Centre.

“To me, it’s a look into another world to give you a chance to get out of reality,” Liboiron said. “It has a childlike aspect to it, kind of fun.”

While fantasy in art may conjure up images of paintings in an abstract or modern fashion, this isn’t the case with Liboiron’s art.

“I’m mostly a hyper-realistic painter,” she said. “It’s fantasy with a lot of details to it.”

The paintings, which have an accompanying sound element of nature sounds completed by her brother Lucas and are on display until April 25, also have enhanced colours.

With walking trees and fantastical creatures, fans of JRR Tolkien may see elements of their favourite author in the paintings, but this isn’t an author that Liboiron read. She did grow up reading fantasy books about fairies. Some of the creatures are also inspired by folk tales from the Czech Republic. She visited the Czech Republic recently with her mother and saw many tree carvings there.

“You find hidden things when exploring,” Liboiron said.

All of the creatures in the paintings are tall and thin Liboiron attributed Salvador Dali as an influence.

A native of Hamilton, living in Tillsonburg the past two years, Liboiron has painted her entire life. In high school she decided to pursue art as a career. She has a BA in art and education from Brock University. Liboiron has taught at the university and high school level as well as instructing painting classes in several locations, including Tillsonburg. She has been part of many juried shows and won awards for her art.

Initially a landscape painter, landscapes and nature are part of “The Living Woods.” The design of the paintings starts with working with ideas on her iPad.

“When I start any painting, it’s what creature do I want to make,” she said. “In what way can this animal blend with its environment or make it more fantastic.”

The paintings are mostly acrylic on canvas, with a few being acrylic on wood.