Celine Cimon

"Aqua"; acrylic and fiberglass; 48" x 48" x 5"
"The focus of my bas-relief work has been to carve the spirit using the juxtaposation of shape, texture, pattern and colour to create a visual experience of peace, harmony and healing. Soft wave-like curves, a smooth and polished texture, minimal lines are my weapons for creation. To add a multi-layered visual experience and a kinetic effect, I introduce patterns of lines or dots and striking colour combination.
Transposing the three-dimensional view of my sculptures on canvas became my first phase in painting. I create surfaces that give the illusion of movement and flow, an illusion of 3-D which the viewer often ponders over, using motion parallax. Ironically, the flat canvas enables me to create deeper and more dramatic folds which would be almost impossible to execute fairly in sculpture, considering the painting/ airbrushing technique I utilise." Celine Cimon 2012
SEE ARTWORKS BELOW
Transposing the three-dimensional view of my sculptures on canvas became my first phase in painting. I create surfaces that give the illusion of movement and flow, an illusion of 3-D which the viewer often ponders over, using motion parallax. Ironically, the flat canvas enables me to create deeper and more dramatic folds which would be almost impossible to execute fairly in sculpture, considering the painting/ airbrushing technique I utilise." Celine Cimon 2012
SEE ARTWORKS BELOW
See artist's statement below:
Artist's Statement
SCULPTURE
The focus of my bas-relief work has been to carve the spirit using the juxtaposation of shape, texture, pattern and colour to create a visual experience of peace, harmony and healing.
I begin with a form, which can be either abstract or figurative. My abstract pieces are composed of soft wave-like contours which often resemble the gentle creases in a wrinkled piece of satin fabric. Similarly, my figurative works are based on using minimal lines to depict the subtle, sensual and realistic contours of the human body. To render the work to a smooth and polished texture, the piece is repeatedly sanded and primed with gesso. The resulting soft sheen-like surface not only allows for maximum illuminating effects, but also reinforces the elements of fluidity and feminity.
To create a secondary visual effect, I superimpose a series of lines and/or dots over the sculpture. By contrasting these patterns over the initial smooth, rolling form, this produces a visual enhancement of the three-dimensional aspect of the work. The colours I select and apply, using the airbrushing technique, are dominated by vibrant hues of blues and purples, which bring a sense of serenity and calmness. They are contrasted, often, by their complimentary colours incorporated in the chosen pattern of lines and dots.
The finished piece is a highly tactile and a multi-layered visual experience. Not only do I want to evoke a sense of peace, harmony, and healing, but I want my work to represent that singular moment between the threshold of the ethereal and the surreal world, brought by the kinetic dance between the colours. Consequently, my pieces carry themes of transformation, after life, androgyny, and communication, all of which come to me through dreams or states of meditation.
PAINTING
Transposing the three-dimensional view of my sculptures on canvas became my first phase in painting. Continuing to use the same technique of airbrushing on canvas, I incorporate striking graphics and colours to create surfaces that give the illusion of movement and flow, an illusion of 3-D which the viewer often ponders over, using motion parallax. Ironically, the flat canvas enables me to create deeper and more dramatic folds which would be almost impossible to execute fairly in sculpture, considering the painting technique I utilise.
My current series of paintings centres on the theme of hidden images, secrets, and subliminal understanding. Entitled “Under the cover”, I sometimes manipulate and twist/fold the surface, creating an action which is then rendered on canvas. I engage the viewer to create metaphors: each person finds their own interpretation, an invitation to know themselves better.
SCULPTURE
The focus of my bas-relief work has been to carve the spirit using the juxtaposation of shape, texture, pattern and colour to create a visual experience of peace, harmony and healing.
I begin with a form, which can be either abstract or figurative. My abstract pieces are composed of soft wave-like contours which often resemble the gentle creases in a wrinkled piece of satin fabric. Similarly, my figurative works are based on using minimal lines to depict the subtle, sensual and realistic contours of the human body. To render the work to a smooth and polished texture, the piece is repeatedly sanded and primed with gesso. The resulting soft sheen-like surface not only allows for maximum illuminating effects, but also reinforces the elements of fluidity and feminity.
To create a secondary visual effect, I superimpose a series of lines and/or dots over the sculpture. By contrasting these patterns over the initial smooth, rolling form, this produces a visual enhancement of the three-dimensional aspect of the work. The colours I select and apply, using the airbrushing technique, are dominated by vibrant hues of blues and purples, which bring a sense of serenity and calmness. They are contrasted, often, by their complimentary colours incorporated in the chosen pattern of lines and dots.
The finished piece is a highly tactile and a multi-layered visual experience. Not only do I want to evoke a sense of peace, harmony, and healing, but I want my work to represent that singular moment between the threshold of the ethereal and the surreal world, brought by the kinetic dance between the colours. Consequently, my pieces carry themes of transformation, after life, androgyny, and communication, all of which come to me through dreams or states of meditation.
PAINTING
Transposing the three-dimensional view of my sculptures on canvas became my first phase in painting. Continuing to use the same technique of airbrushing on canvas, I incorporate striking graphics and colours to create surfaces that give the illusion of movement and flow, an illusion of 3-D which the viewer often ponders over, using motion parallax. Ironically, the flat canvas enables me to create deeper and more dramatic folds which would be almost impossible to execute fairly in sculpture, considering the painting technique I utilise.
My current series of paintings centres on the theme of hidden images, secrets, and subliminal understanding. Entitled “Under the cover”, I sometimes manipulate and twist/fold the surface, creating an action which is then rendered on canvas. I engage the viewer to create metaphors: each person finds their own interpretation, an invitation to know themselves better.
Biography
Exhibitions:
2010 The Artist Project Toronto, Queen Elizabeth Building
2009 The Artist Project Toronto, Liberty Grand Building
Ray & Berndtson, Lovas Stanley, RBC Tower
Gallery 888, Toronto, (2 artists show)
2008 Pentimento Gallery, 1164 Queen St. E., Toronto (Group show)
Toronto art Expo, Toronto (Group show)
First Canadian Place, Toronto, (Group show)
2007 Riverdale Art Walk, Toronto, (Group show)
Gallery 888, Spring Fling, Toronto, (Group show)
2006 Artuary Gallery, 660 pape Ave.,Toronto, (Group show)
Latitude 44 Gallery, 2900 Dundas St. W.,Toronto, (Group show)
Riverdale Art Walk, Toronto, (Group show)
2005 Little Art Show, BMW Building, Toronto, (Group show)
Gallery 888, Spring Fling, Toronto, (Group show)
Riverdale Art Walk, Gallery 888, 888 Queen St. E. Toronto, (Group show)
2004 Gallery 888, Summer show, Toronto, (Group show)
2003 Celine Allard Gallery, “Noir sur Blanc”, Toronto, (Group show)
The Little art Show, Eastern front Gallery, Toronto, (Group show)
Riverdale Art Walk, Ring Audio, 742 Queen St. E.,Toronto, (Group show)
R.A.W. First prize winner of juried show 2003
2002 Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition, Toronto City hall, (Group show)
Riverdale Art Walk, Ring Audio, 742 Queen St. W., Toronto, (Group show)
2001 Sabrina Burke Art & Design, 953 Mt-Pleasant Rd. (Solo show)
Commissions:
- Private collectors (Germany, Canada)
- Dann Dunn Design Inc. 260 King St. E., Toronto
- Media Dimensions Ltd. 63 Lombard Ave. Toronto
Collections:
- Private collections in North America and Germany
- Media Dimensions Ltd, Canada
- Happy Worker Inc. Canada
- Viwa Designs, Germany
- Dot Fusion Inc. Canada
Publications:
“Cloak of Blue-Dawn” has been featured in the book called “NEW ACRYLICS Essential sourcebook”, by Rheni Tauchid