Biography
Born in Montreal, Nathalie Trépanier lived in Saint-Anicet (Montérégie) before settling in the city near her studio. A graduate of the Conservatoire d’art dramatique de Montréal, she worked as an actress from 1991 to 2002, playing a variety of roles. As a multidisciplinary artist, she now has more than 25 years of experience in the design and creation of sculptures.
In 1996, she had a pivotal encounter with Quebec sculptor Patrick Amiot, whose work she admired. Under his supervision, she completed a multitude of projects between 1996 and 2008. Encouraged by Amiot, she embarked on her own sculptural journey, using objects she had collected over time. In the early 2000s, she crafted furniture and lamps from recycled materials; these pieces were not only functional but also became unique and sought-after works of art. It was with these creations that she organized her very first exhibition in 2003. Then, little by little, her work shifted toward designing sculptures of people and animals made from objects discarded by their owners. Over the past few decades, she has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions held in Montreal and elsewhere in the province. In addition to her work as a sculptor, she has collaborated on the design of several set designs for Quebec theater productions created using recycled materials.
Notable Awards
- Nomination at the Soirée des Masques for the set design of *La vraie vie est ailleurs” (2005).
- Coup de cœur Award at the Montreal Sculpture Salon, first prize (2014).
- Coup de cœur Award at the Montreal Sculpture Salon, second prize (2016)
Get In Touch
Should you wish to commission a special work of art, or if a particular sculpture speaks to you, do not hesitate to contact me to discuss the details of a potential purchase.
Artistic Approach
Buying things only to throw them away is what often happens in today’s world. This form of pollution is destroying our planet and threatening the survival of many species—those it hasn’t already wiped out. Yet taking action to combat overconsumption and protect biodiversity is the primary driving force behind my artistic practice.
I have always incorporated plastic materials and discarded objects—once cleaned—into my works. I create furniture and lamps, but I specialize primarily in sculpture depicting figures or animals to which I seek to give a soul and breathe life. At first glance, you recognize the figure or animal, but upon closer inspection, you notice that the work is made from everyday objects that are part of our shared history. My sculptures generally evoke a sense of wonder through their playful appearance, but some of them prompt deep reflection on our relationship with the environment. With humour, I aim to take a critical look at the flaws in our society.
