Feb 18th, 2025

The Gentle Giants of the Pacific:

Ever Dream of Swimming with Orcas?

The orca, or killer whale, is one of nature’s most iconic marine mammals. Their striking black-and-white patterns, complex social structures, and intelligence have captivated human imagination for centuries. As a multidisciplinary artist and body painter, I often turn to nature for inspiration, and the orca has become an unexpectedly popular subject in my portfolio.

Personal Connection: From BC Waters to Montreal Audiences

My body art frequently explores conservation themes, but my orca pieces evoke something more personal. Perhaps it’s a subconscious connection to British Columbia’s coastal waters, where orcas glide through cold Pacific currents. Growing up in BC, these creatures felt almost mythical—ancient guardians of the ocean. Surprisingly, this connection resonates with audiences in Montreal, where my orca-themed works consistently draw attention.

A Lifelong Fascination with Whales

My interest in whales dates back to my teenage years, when I spent hours painting orcas, studying their behaviour, and devouring issues of Beautiful BC and National Geographic, dreaming of one day providing photography & writing for these inspiring magazines. Those early passions evolved into my current work, blending realism with new stylistic experiments.

Exploring Mediums: Art Jamming with Endangered Species

Often referred to as the “wolves of the sea” or as I like to say “pandas of the ocean” (minus the silliness), these apex predators symbolize strength, social intelligence, and adaptability. Their striking black-and-white patterns and complex social behaviors make them ideal subjects for my Endangered Species Series, which highlights vulnerable species through multidisciplinary art.

My Orca painting was pre-planned when I decided in the Summer of 2022 that I needed to pivot my painting style, trying to steer away from the aesthetics of my twenties & evolve my work into something that interests me more today as a middle aged young woman.

In October 2022, I participated in a professional body painting jam hosted by The 206 – An Art Hub near Montreal’s Atwater Market which was the perfect opportunity to work on my new Orca body of work. With the support of fellow artist Jacynthe Sauvageau, who generously provided transportation, I brought my body painting kit, easel, acrylic paints, and a canvas featuring pre-prepared outlines of an orca whale.

During the jam, I worked on both a live body painting and a canvas painting, completing the body art first. It was an intense and rewarding experience working alongside talented artists like Alex Hansen, Dominique Panneton, and ten other newcomers who joined us seasoned artists for inspiration and growth. With my ADHD, these jams provide the body-doubling effect I need to stay productive and efficiently accomplish professional goals—something I struggle with when working alone in my home studio.

The jam allowed me to explore my long-term vision of creating art that bridges multiple mediums: body painting, canvas, and stop-motion projects. The orca canvas painting I started at the jam I later polished in my home studio and has since become a cornerstone of my Endangered Species Series. The plight of the Southern Resident Killer Whales is something that deeply moves me, Orcas in BC have an endangered population with only 74 individuals remaining (as of December 2023). Threatened by pollution, prey depletion, and human disturbance, their decline underscores the need for conservation efforts across borders.

The Art of April-Anna

From Brush to Wave: Symbolism and Artistic Choices

Orcas embody a captivating duality: powerful yet graceful, fierce yet familial. Their matrilineal social structures, intricate communication, and strong bonds remind us that survival often depends on connection and collaboration. In my designs, I aim to capture both their majesty and their vulnerability. Southern Resident Killer Whales, for example, face threats from dwindling salmon stocks, noise pollution, and contamination. Through my art, I hope to spark conversations about these challenges.

The flowing patterns of an orca’s body naturally complement the contours of the human form. My intention isn’t to highlight the nude form but to reframe it—evoking appreciation rather than sexualization, much like life drawing or nude studies in Renaissance and classical art. I strive to create depth and evoke the illusion of movement, allowing the body’s natural contours to mirror the graceful glide of an orca through water.

Each brushstroke feels like a dialogue with nature. Recently, in a new piece, I played with blending realistic orcas with impressionistic trees and water, accented by geometric patterns—inviting viewers to engage with the subject on a more imaginative level.

Photography & Body Painting: April-Anna

A Visual Metaphor: Art, Nature, and Connection

This piece is part of my Endangered Species Series, where body and canvas painting merge to highlight vulnerable species. The orca design incorporates an upside-down triangle—an ancient alchemical symbol for water—created using painter’s tape and silver leafing. Though I don’t subscribe to esoteric beliefs, I chose this symbol to ground the piece in ecological awareness, highlighting the orca’s deep connection to water and our shared environment.

Canvas & Community: Stories the Orcas Tell

Photo: Cyril Mourissargues – Model: Marie-Julie Fournier – Body Painting & Concept: April-Anna – Conservation Endangered Species Series: Orca

My orca artwork made its official debut at the Montreal Arts Center Museum Christmas Artisan Market in November 2024, where I showcased it as part of a growing collection of art merchandise. This includes art pendants, mugs, magnets, and greeting cards featuring variations of the original orca painting. The reception was overwhelmingly positive, and it was heartening to see my multidisciplinary approach resonate with the public.

Current events, such as news of orcas ramming yachts off Spain and Portugal, seemed to spark curiosity and conversation. Fun fact: My decision to paint the orca happened just months before these coordinated orca behaviors began making headlines. Scientists believe this behavior is learned and socially transmitted—a reminder of orcas’ incredible intelligence and adaptability in the face of human activities disrupting their environments.

Behind the Scenes of a Body Painting Session

Full-body painting sessions for these designs typically last five to nine hours, depending on complexity. For the orca piece, I painted the front torso and face to emphasize detail. In previous high-detail projects, like my rose-themed design for Mfleurs at New City Gas, sessions extended beyond the standard five hours—highlighting the dedication such work requires.

Concluding Notes

Body painting isn’t just about the final image—it’s about the experience. Each piece is a conversation, a transformation, and a connection. If you’d like to commission wildlife-themed body painting (or another subject), please feel free to contact me to discuss your project or explore my merchandise. If you’ve enjoyed reading my blog so far, please follow The Reflective Muse and share it with your friends and family!

Have you ever seen an orca in the wild?
Stay tuned for more stories from the intersection of art and nature on The Reflective Muse.

Feb 11th, 2025

”Back in December I won a $50 gift certificate from Pyschonaut’s online contest. What’s even more exciting is that I was selected by an employee who didn’t know I knew the owners. At the start of the week I finally had the chance to stop by and redeem it. The timing was perfect—it gave me an opportunity to reconnect and support a local business.”

Memory, Art, Life, and Prince Arthur Street

The other day I walked from the metro through the iconic Plateau, the neighbourhood that was the backdrop to my twenties & early adulthood when I first arrived in Montreal. I had left BC and everything I knew, taking a risk to build a life as an artist and self-employed worker—hoping to carve out a career while paying my bills and keeping a roof over my head. I have yet to take ”starving out of artist” but I just keep plugging on because giving up is not an option. Half the battle is just staying positive (the other half is exhaustion, said every adult ever).

As I walked along Prince Arthur, I couldn’t help but reflect on the passing years—years filled with memories, challenges, and the constant hum of change. At 46, I often feel like I’m caught between the person I look like—the one the world sees, who looks 10 years younger—and the person I truly am. It’s a strange, almost existential feeling, especially when you start questioning time itself. What will I think about when I look back on my life at 80 or 90?

I’ve been wrestling with thoughts of leaving Montreal, wondering if I should go back to BC, but the reality is that the financial obstacles make it feel impossible. What if, instead, I could find a way to make Montreal work? Make it thrive, so that my visits to BC no longer feel like a distant dream, but a possibility.As I walk down streets I’ve known for years, I reflect on how the neighborhood has changed, how the people I once knew have come and gone, and how the city itself has become a part of me. No longer am I just the girl who came from BC—when I visit BC, it becomes clear how much Montreal has shaped me. I’m not just the girl from BC anymore.

One of the things that struck me most was how the familiar can sometimes feel like an old friend, even when it’s different. Walking past businesses I used to know, I came across a new mural, vibrant and bold, adding its own voice to the evolving story of the area. I snapped a few pictures, reminded that the world keeps moving forward, whether we’re ready for it or not. The mural reminded me of the Plateau’s ever-changing beauty—a mix of old and new, full of memories and fresh perspectives.

I was headed to Psychonaut, which, for many years, was located on Prince Arthur but has since moved to St. Laurent. The owner, Andrei, was one of the first business owners I networked with when I arrived in Montreal. Back in the summer of 2006, without access to a computer or the internet, Andrei introduced me to the manager of the nearby ”dep”, depanneur (corner store), which had a large selection of wine and beer. Thanks to their generosity, I was able to use their computer and internet to connect with clients, and I even received permission to set up a kiosk in front of the store on Prince Arthur. That summer, I was able to promote my henna temporary tattoos and face painting services to passersbys.

It’s been special to witness the evolution of Psychonaut over the years, even in the face of challenges. I was pretty excited to go visit the store because, back in December I won a $50 gift certificate from their online contest. What’s even more exciting is that I was selected by an employee who didn’t know I knew the owners. At the start of the week I finally had the chance to stop by and redeem it. The timing was perfect—it gave me an opportunity to reconnect and support a local business.

Psychonaut has a huge range of products from clothing, to books, teas, jewellery, & marijuana paraphernalia (such as herb vaporizers like the Pax 3 or Volcano).

While I was there, I also took the opportunity to showcase my new line of art jewelry pendants. Combining my love for unique designs with my passion for craftsmanship, I’m excited to announce that Psychonaut will soon be carrying some of my pieces in their shop.

Although winter has slowed things down, I’ve been busy preparing to assemble pendants for both the shop and the upcoming summer festival season. However, it’s been challenging to determine how many to make—and, by extension, how much material to buy. Currently, I have one festival that sponsors a booth space for me, where I’ll be offering face painting, temporary tattoos, a fine art outdoor gallery, and art merchandise. I’m hopeful to find more opportunities as the season progresses. If things don’t pick up, I may consider busking, though it comes with the risk of fines. I’m also thinking about applying for a license to sell in Old Montreal, a place I truly love.

Psychonaut has a huge selection of fresh teas.

The journey of building something, whether it’s a business, an art form, or simply your life, takes patience. I’ve learned to be kind to myself through the ups and downs, embracing the process. What matters is being present in the moment, finding joy in the small victories, and learning to appreciate where I am, even when I’m not sure of the destination. Yesterday was a reminder of how far I’ve come, and how much potential there still is.

If you’re in Montreal and happen to be near St. Laurent, stop by Psychonaut. Check out their amazing collection of unique items, and while you’re there, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the neighbourhood. Who knows what memories you’ll create or what new discoveries you’ll find.

Feb 10th, 2025

When Virtual Reality Meets Timeless Storytelling:

My Experience with Jim Henson’s “The Storyteller”,

”The Seven Ravens”

As an artist whose work thrives on interactivity and creative expression—whether through face painting at lively parties, designing custom temporary tattoos or communing with the canvas as I prepare to paint —I’m always on the lookout for experiences that spark inspiration and push creative boundaries. Thursday Feb 6th, 2025, I had the pleasure of immersing myself in something truly magical: Jim Henson’s The Storyteller in virtual reality at Place des Arts which is running until Feb 23rd (free tickets are released every Tuesday).

An Interactive Journey Beyond the Page

One of the most enchanting moments occurred as I turned the pages of the physical book that served as the exhibition’s centrepiece. With each flip, virtual reality feathers—so delicately rendered—began to cascade over my arms. It wasn’t just a passive viewing experience; I found myself interacting with the art in a way that felt almost magical. I could even make the feathers bounce in mid-air—a playful reminder that art, much like a great party, is all about engaging with its audience.

This seamless blending of the physical and digital perfectly echoes the philosophy behind my own work. Just as I transform a simple face or a blank arm into a canvas bursting with colour and personality at parties, the exhibition reimagined a traditional storytelling format into an immersive, interactive art experience.

Childhood Wonder Reimagined

If you’re part of the Oregon Trail Generation & grew up in the 1980s then you’re sure to get a case of nostalgia.

Growing up on Jim Henson’s Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal, I spent countless moments, fuelled by my ADHD neurodivergent driven imagination, completely captivated by those fantastical worlds. Experiencing the VR storybook—even with its delightfully simple narrative—brought back echoes of that early magic. When virtual reality feathers danced into my arms, it felt reminiscent of stepping straight into a Harry Potter tale, rekindling the wonder of childhood storytelling. Although the story itself was straightforward, I couldn’t help but marvel at the tremendous effort behind crafting such an engaging exhibition. It’s wonderfully accessible, appealing not only to young audiences but also to those of us who grew up enchanted by Jim Henson’s timeless creations.

The Fusion of Old and New

What’s truly fascinating is how the exhibition marries the old with the new. The VR setup uses QR codes to generate vibrant graphics above the book, guiding you through the narrative in a way that feels both modern and deeply rooted in classic storytelling traditions. When you reach the end of the book, a cue prompts you to flip it over to continue the tale—an elegant nod to the art of storytelling, where every page turn unveils a new surprise.

It’s a vivid reminder that art and technology are in a constant dance of evolution. While the VR technology showcased might soon be considered a relic, its spirit—its dedication to sparking wonder and engaging the viewer—remains timeless.

Inspiration for My Own Creative Journey

Experiences like this remind me why I love what I do. My work as a multidisciplinary artist is all about creating interactive, memorable moments. Whether I’m decorating faces with playful designs or inking temporary tattoos that let people wear their art with pride, the goal is the same: to bring joy, ignite imaginations, and transform everyday moments into extraordinary memories.

The way The Storyteller played with layers of reality and art mirrors my approach to party services. Every event is a blank canvas, and every guest is an opportunity to co-create something unique. Just as the VR installation uses its retro aesthetic to tell a modern story, I strive to blend classic artistic techniques with innovative ideas to make each celebration unforgettable.

It was worth venturing out into the biting cold of -17°C (1.4°F) winter, despite my usual preference to hibernate, the invigorating experience of augmented reality made it impossible to want to head straight home so I seized the opportunity to get some exercise & wandered through downtown Montreal to capture some spontaneous photos.

Embracing the Ephemeral and the Everlasting

Art is as much about the experience as it is about the finished product. The temporary tattoos and face paintings I offer at parties might not last forever, but the joy they create—much like the fleeting beauty of those virtual reality feathers—is enduring. They serve as a vibrant reminder that art, in all its forms, has the power to transform moments and connect people across time and technology.

Let’s Create Something Magical Together

If today’s experience with The Storyteller has left you feeling as inspired and enchanted as I am, imagine what we could create together at your next event! I’m excited to bring my passion for interactive art to your celebrations—whether through custom face painting designs, one-of-a-kind temporary tattoos, or other creative experiences tailored just for you.