In a studio on Montreal’s North Shore, Catherine Lavoie paints with a focus on movement, emotion and connection — an approach shaped as much by lived experience as by formal training.
Based in Blainville, Lavoie has spent the past seven years developing a body of work that reaches collectors across Quebec.
Trained in visual arts, she often turns to the Montreal Canadiens during the playoffs as a source of inspiration, using her work to reflect a broader goal of bringing people together.
Her ties to Montreal run deep, strengthened during her university years in the city.
“I come from the North Shore, but since I was young, I’ve often gone to Montreal. I spent my university years there, and between the inspiration, the art and the energy of the city, everything left a deep impression on me. Montreal is beautiful and the people are incredibly inspiring,” she told CityNews.
Lavoie’s artistic path began in her childhood bedroom, where she started creating more than a decade ago.
“I started creating in my bedroom at my parents’ house 12 years ago.”
As her interest grew, her family created space for her work — turning part of their home into a gallery where she could meet clients while completing her studies.
She says painting became central to her life in early adulthood.
“I’ve always been creative, but painting really entered my life in my 20s, during CEGEP.”
In recent months, Lavoie’s work has taken on added significance as she navigates serious health challenges.
“My art has always been present during the most difficult moments, especially this year.”
She has spent the past seven months dealing with a brain tumour — believed to be benign — and a rare inner ear condition affecting her balance and hearing.
Following surgery, she continues to focus on recovery while maintaining her artistic practice.
“I just underwent surgery on my head and ear, in the hope of returning to my previous life.”
She says her work is grounded in creating moments of joy for others.
“I love sharing and creating moments for people. I love making people happy, and through my painting, I believe I transmit joy and happiness.”
Lavoie’s work moves between abstraction and figuration, guided by instinct and emotion.
“Emotions, spontaneity, the present moment and instinct are my main sources of energy to create. Nothing is fixed — everything can evolve.”
Her paintings aim to capture both movement and feeling, with energy at the centre of each piece.
“My style lies between abstract and figurative in order to capture emotion and movement.”
That energy, she says, is what defines her work.
“My signature can be recognized through the energy I put into my painting.”
She adds that each piece is one-of-a-kind, and no prints or copies are available.
Hockey — particularly the Montreal Canadiens — remains a recurring influence in her work.
“Like many people, I love sports that bring people together. I find that the Montreal Canadiens are among the best at creating that sense of unity.”
Lavoie first gained visibility through social media, where she began selling her work and building an audience. That exposure led to several years of gallery exhibitions before she transitioned to working independently.
“I started selling thanks to social media. Over time, I built a name for myself, then exhibited in galleries for five years.”
She continues to rely on digital platforms while seeking new opportunities.
“Social media remains, in my opinion, the best tool for visibility.”
At the core of Lavoie’s work is a desire to create connection and positivity.
“I have always been someone who loves life and people. There is so much negativity in the world that I believe simple things can bring people together and help us love more.”
She hopes her work will continue to resonate over time.
“I would also like that, over time, my art grows to such an extent that when my children are older, my works continue to live on and be recognized.”
