Sister Marie-Hélène Allain
Published Saturday November 22nd, 2008
Former Strathbutler Award winner says the motto 'Become who you are' is the vocation and the challenge of every human being.
q Age?
a 69.
q Provenance?
a I was born in Sainte-Marie-de-Kent. I came back to teach art in the school district between 1971 and 1974. In 1980, I installed a large studio and began working at my sculpture full time.
q Why art?
a Art is the opportunity where my abilities, my talents and my passion join together to share my feelings, emotions and love with my community. I now consider art as a vocation.
q What was your breakthrough moment?
a Returning to New Brunswick after my bachelor of fine arts at l'Université du Québec à Montréal, I begun to dedicate half of my time to sculpture while teaching art in the elementary schools and at l'Université de Moncton. But in 1980 it became obvious to me that I had to choose between my two passions. I have been devoted to my art ever since.
q Your current obsession?
a I don't know whether it is an obsession or not but I am always looking forward to realizing a new project and creating better works.
q What are you working on next?
a I already have ideas for a future project but nothing is fixed yet. Stone is doubtless one of the media.
q What place on Earth inspires you?
a Inspiration comes to me in a very discreet way, sometimes many years after an experience. Looking back, I can see that certain works have been inspired by the time I was in Italy, others while I was in France, others from my native place in Saint-Anne-de-Kent, and some from my own previous works. It's not the place in itself that inspired me but a book, a conference, a group of artworks, the meeting of a person.
q What place in New Brunswick inspires you?
a In the first part of my career, I would say my father's farm. The first sculptures I identified as my own creations were inspired by the animals I loved to take care of on the farm. Some people made the remark that some of my early works had something in common with my village's hills and I think they are right. After I entered into community life at the Sisters of Notre-Dame du Sacré-Coeur, I discovered many opportunities to grow as an artist. Life forces inspire me the most, no matter the place.
q Secret indulgence?
a I like to be silent in nature, either in the woods or near water, to rest, read, meditate and sometimes write. I enjoy these special moments during holidays at the cottage or during a retreat.
q Your favourite hero of fiction?
a I didn't have the opportunity to read fiction much when I was growing up. Later on I developed an attraction for writers who invite you to think, to meditate and deepen one's spirituality and art vision. I am not stuck on a particular author or subject.
q What is your greatest extravagance?
a My determination! When I have a conviction that something has to be accomplished, I ask myself if it is possible without considering the time, difficulties or energy needed. I relax at the evidence of accomplishment.
q What is your greatest fear?
a The destruction of our planet by the stupidity of human beings.
q Greatest joy?
a The feeling of understanding and trust in a friendship.
q Your favourite sculpture on Earth?
a My favourite sculpture could be la Pietà by Michelangelo because of the power of interior life and serenity that it emanates. Michelangelo was only 23 when he created la Pietà.
q Favourite sculpture by a New Brunswick artist?
a My favourite sculpture by a New Brunswick artist could be Man in a Wheelchair 1980 by John Hooper. Every time I approach this piece of art I have the feeling of a very powerful presence.
q What are you reading?
a The Syntax of Objects by Tim McCreight and Eloge de l'Empreinte by Daniel de Montmollin, Marie-Helene Lantier and Jean-Claude Meger. Both books were given to me by close friends. Also La Seule Chose Necessaire by Henri J.M. Nouwen, which I have read and meditated with now and again for two years.
q What is the greatest public misconception about art?
a That the appreciation of art depends on knowledge rather than a frank approach with one's own sensitivity and experiences.
q Your most treasured possession?
a I don't have any treasured possessions except the gift of life, the greatest miracle on Earth.
q What is your motto?
a A motto I cherish is "Become who you are," the vocation and the challenge of every human being.
q How would you like to die?
a I would like to die in peace and serenity, surrounded by people I love.
q What is your favourite art museum?
a My favourite art museum is Le Centre George Pompidou in Paris. When I was visiting Paris every two or three months in 1990, I enjoyed passing complete days looking at new exhibitions, reading in the library, enjoying a film or even an experimental play. The Louvre is a more important museum but its vocation is different.
q What piece of artwork have you not seen in person that you would like to see before you die?
a It's the piece I ignore that could surprise me, influence my life and stimulate my passion.
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