Ysabel Lemay

“My calling as an artist … is to bring forth visions of resplendent beauty, to imagine wonderful other worlds and share them,” reflects Ysabel LeMay. The Canadian artist has developed an unmistakable technique for creating what she calls “Hypercollages.” In these digital compositions, LeMay draws from hundreds of images taken on her photographic excursions, and then puts them all together. She inserts individual birds, branches, or flowers with the most precise and meticulous editing. This creates a real world united with the realm of idyllic perfection.

LeMay’s creative process is painstaking, laborious, and highly intuitive at the same time. Her jumping off point might be a specific image, a color, or even an emotion. “The theme of the work reveals itself to me,” LeMay says. The nature lover relies on her instincts when selecting the first elements for a piece. Then she searches for other pieces that fit together, carefully building everything into a balanced composition. “I strive to capture the essence of each element I photograph — the appearance, but also the subtle energy each item is imbued with,” the artist says. By now, Ysabel LeMay has collected thousands of photographs of opulent landscapes, and has an ever-growing palette of images, colors, and textures to choose from. Her photographic reservoir of new images increases in size with every expedition into the outdoors. The collages she produces have a baroque appearance, hinting at the artist’s roots in painting. LeMay spent eight years dedicated to oil painting after a decade of work as a graphic designer.

The unique fusion of digital design and a painterly style is reflected in her work. Looking at her pieces, we are astonished by their immense beauty and reminded of rococo opulence. We can feel a gentle, harmonious energy, and we become aware that every artwork is an homage to the all-powerful creative forces of nature.

Ysabel LeMay was born in Quebec, Canada. She studied art at the Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver and graphic design at College Sainte-Foy in Quebec. LeMay’s works have been shown in more than 100 solo and group exhibitions all around the world and in prestigious art fairs including Art Miami (2018). She lives and works in Austin, Texas.

Picasso once said, “you don’t make art, you find it.” Where do you find your art?
In nature, of course, but also in all the experiences that open my heart. There is a distinct energy that my soul recognizes and aligns itself with.

From an idea to its materialization: How do you approach your work?
As of 2022, I am approaching my work with a singular objective: channel nature’s consciousness. Moreover, using automatism as my main creative process. Releasing any self-imposed limitations and moving away from conscious thoughts during the creative process has allowed me to express nature’s colorful and magnificent vibrations.

What is your favorite book?
Gregory Ronerts’ Shantaram.  It’s a beautiful and honest story of a man living in a world of polarity.

Which artist would you like to have coffee with and what would you discuss?
My answer changes regularly but, at the moment, I’d like to sit down with Petra Cortwright to discuss how she became so permissive and fluid with her digital work.

How did you get into art?
I didn’t get into art, art got into me. I was born an artist.

Who are the people in your surroundings that influence you?
My friends who continue to grow spiritually and professionally as well as the many teachers who show up in my life at a perfect time.

Imagine you have a time machine. Where would you go?
I would first go pick up the love of my life, who I left behind in 1930, and travel with him to the cosmos to visit my family lineage.

Other than art, what are you most passionate about?
I am passionate about my spiritual studies. And if I would add another profession to my curriculum, I would be a chef. Food is my péché mignon.

What are you working on right now?
I’m pursuing my digital art. My intention is to create a series of wall installations using nature as my primary medium.