3 days ago3 min read

Connect | Aoe Girard

Showing November 19 - December 3, 2024

"Connect is a celebration of the profound bond between humanity and nature, where the beauty of the natural world is reflected through the strength, grace, and nurturing spirit of women. In this body of work, I use the female form as a powerful symbol of creation, growth, and interconnectedness—qualities that mirror the rhythms and cycles of nature itself.

Through each piece, I aim to capture moments of harmony: the way a gentle breeze moves through a meadow, the way sunlight dances upon water, or how roots of a tree intertwine beneath the earth, unseen yet essential. Women, portrayed in these works, embody this unity, serving as guardians and muses who remind us of our responsibility to honor and protect the world around us. Their presence is strong yet gentle, intertwined with elements like flowers, leaves, rivers, and wildlife, emphasizing a symbiotic relationship that calls for respect and appreciation.

The beauty of nature is both a muse and a message. It invites us to pause, to see ourselves as part of a greater whole, and to recognize that our actions have a ripple effect on our environment and future generations. "Connect" is an invitation to reflect on this interdependence and to find ways to foster a deeper, more meaningful relationship with our natural surroundings.

May these works inspire viewers to reconnect with the earth, to cherish the wild beauty around us, and to celebrate the nurturing, life-giving energy that nature and women share so generously."

About the Artist

Aoe Girard is a dynamic artist, illustrator, and graphic designer devoted to creating art that spreads happiness and connects deeply with society. Her vibrant work bridges art and nature, often centered on themes that inspire joy, featuring children, animals, and the beauty of the natural world. Aoe believes that while all art has its own beauty, its true magic lies in the happiness it brings to people's lives.

With a creative portfolio spanning traditional and digital techniques, Aoe works with a variety of mediums, including pencil, watercolour, acrylic, oil, ink, and pastel. Her whimsical illustrations— depicting enchanting scenes of children, women, flowers, trees, and animals—have been featured in children's books, magazines, and product designs. Her captivating paintings have graced galleries, cafes, and outdoor venues, showcasing her skill in transforming ordinary spaces into imaginative worlds. Additionally, her public art installations and murals highlight her ability to engage viewers with vivid, larger-than-life creations.

Aoe’s passion for art extends beyond the canvas through her live painting performances, which began with the Hope Project in Cambridge, ON (2018) and continued at The Museum in Kitchener, ON, as a featured artist at the Brush Off events (2020, 2023, and 2024). These live shows allow Aoe to engage with the public, bringing her belief in art as an interactive experience to life. Projects like Find Me (2022), where she painted a picnic table for the Open Street Event in Uptown Waterloo, further demonstrate her commitment to making art accessible to all.

Her impressive exhibition history includes both local and international showcases. Aoe has exhibited in events like Sweet 16 at The Art District Gallery (Kitchener, ON) in 2018, Books are Everything and Everywhere at Lanlao Gallery (Chiangmai, Thailand) in 2019, and Golden Spring at The Link Gallery (Waterloo, ON) in 2024. Her works are celebrated for capturing nature’s beauty and evoking heartfelt emotions in her audience.

Beyond exhibitions, Aoe has left her mark with stunning murals and public art projects. Notable works include Alone, Together (Waterloo, ON) in 2021, Thai Boat (Cambridge, ON) in 2022, and The Rising Sun (Folsom, California, USA) in 2024. Her public installations, such as Heartbeat, a fence art installation at Waterloo Park (2021), and My Backyard and Lucky Stone, fabric installations in 2023, have transformed everyday spaces into captivating art experiences.

Aoe’s artistic talents also shine in the world of children’s literature. She has illustrated beloved books like The Huge Elephant, The King and His Parrot, and Elephant Lost His Teeth, delighting young readers with playful, colourful scenes that celebrate the wonders of life. Her children's book I Am a BIG Elephant stands out as a heartwarming project supported by the Waterloo Region Art Fund, created to bring joy to children's hospitals.

Through all her endeavours, Aoe Girard remains committed to crafting art that fosters happiness and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Her work, from gallery exhibitions to public art, is a testament to the transformative power of creativity, imagination, and joy.

Featured Work

Connect

24x48 inches

Acrylic on Canvas

2023

Shining

24x30 inches

Acrylic on Canvas

2023

Blooming 01

24x48 inches

Acrylic on Canvas