Congratulations to artist Majie Lavergne, our latest ArtResin Winner! An abstract painter, Maije has lived in France, the US, and Canada, and has spent the past few years creating in Costa Rica.
He creates work that invites a sense of participation—whether through hands-on interaction or quiet observation—encouraging viewers to engage with the piece in their own way: "My wish is that in that moment of “looking” at or “playing” with (one of my interactive), it triggers in the viewer a sense of well-being, play and connection."
Describe the type of art you create.
In my work, there are two separate streams: abstract and interactive.
In my exploration and fascination of non-digital interactive work, I have created a series called “ Re-Create ”. “Re-Create” was inspired by my desire to assist others in developing their own creative and play skills. With “Re-Create” the viewer is encouraged to move different forms on a magnetized background in an infinite number of combinations to create their own original design. Art evolves from a defined fixed output to a dynamic, playful, creative, and transitory experience.
My second series is titled “Dance of Opposites”. In this series, I use an amazing and magical medium called alcohol ink and with it I explore and experiment with combining geometric and organic shapes.
For me, painting an image, whether abstract or interactive, is a tumultuous and mysterious process and at times remarkable. This embrace with life and its mysteries always connects me back to Henry Miller’s words….“To paint is to love again”.
Does where you're from or where you currently live influence your work?
Yes, absolutely. Nuevo Arenal, the area where I live in Costa Rica presents surprising, dynamic and vibrant skies, and that has consistently been a source of inspiration for my alcohol ink abstracts paintings.
What's your art background? Are you self-taught or did you study art?
Although, I have taken some Art University classes I am mostly a self- taught artist. My love and interest in painting has been nourished at early age, first by my father, Robert Lavergne a well-recognized French Post-Impressionist painter, and later by my Godfather, Louis Nallard, who was a leader in the Post-War Abstract movement in Paris. These two artists were critical to whom I am now as an artist.
The Spirits of Atlantis - 37 x 16.5"
Are you a full-time artist or do you create around work hours?
I am a full-time artist.
What do you love about the mediums that you use in your work?
For my “Dance of Opposites” series I use alcohol inks. I have deeply fallen in love with this medium. I absolutely love the vivid colors, the transparency, the organicity, the flowing quality and its magical spirit!!
I have used various mediums for my interactive work (“Re-Create Series”), such as acrylic paint, crackle, wood, steel, cooper, brass, and mirror and I love the variety of all of these mediums and how they each have different textures and personalities.
How did you discover resin? How has resin impacted your artwork?
To say the truth, I have been using ArtResin for so long that I can’t remember how I discovered it.
ArtResin has been a full complementary partner to creating the art that I love to create.
I use ArtResin for both of my series. For the Interactive (Re-Create), as the viewer is invited to touch and move the art work it was essential to have a resin to protect the art and to allow for it to be handled. And for the paintings done in alcohol ink, (“The Dance of Opposites”) it remains key to protect the art as alcohol ink is a very sensitive medium and calls for UV protection.
Can you provide a brief rundown of your process?
When I work with alcohol ink (Dance of Opposites), my process is very intuitive, and free. I play with shapes and colors, I let my “inner child” come out as much as I can, until I “see” something…..it is a bit like having a vision….I somehow “see” the painting, the completed painting in my mind’s eye….and then I use all my skills, knowledge and experience to make this vision real and palpable.
When I work towards an interactive piece (Re-Create), the process is very different. In a way it’s the opposite. It’s all about geometry. I do a lot of sketches. I think of the versatility of these shapes and colors interacting with each other. It’s all about play again, but in a very different way, I think about what would offer most possibilities and options for the viewers.
Why do you want to make art? What motivates you to create?
I make art because I love to be creative, to play with colors and shapes, to express myself. With my interactive work, it is important to me to help people tap into their own sense of play and creativity.
Does art help you in other areas of your life?
Oh, yes!! Artmaking is my refuge, my therapy, my center. Painting is my fix. To step into that creative flow, where I seem to disappear, is so nourishing! After a few hours in the studio, I often feel stronger and more centered. Again, as Henry Miller said it so well, “to paint is to love again”.
McMillian Arts Center (BC, Canada)
Evolution - 30 x 30"
Reflections - 40 x 30"
What do you hope someone sees or feels when they look at your art?
My hope is that my art brightens the viewers’ world in some ways. My wish is that in that moment of “looking” at or “playing” with (one of my interactive), it triggers in the viewer a sense of well-being, play and connection.
How do you define success as an artist? What does that look and feel like
for you?
For me success, first and foremost means that I have found my own path, my own way to express my inner world, and that I can do it technically well. Success, also means that, my works sells and that it is recognized by my peers through Juried Art Shows.
What's your favorite resin tip you'd like to share with our readers?
For artists that use alcohol ink, I have discovered that you can paint on the resin. You can create an additional coat and your art will gain in depth and transparency. But before adding the second coat of resin, use Krylon Kamar Varnish or Pinata High Gloss Varnish to stabilize your new coat of alcohol ink.
Where do you sell your work?
I mostly sell my work in Costa Rica and through my website: www.majie.ca
Congratulations on your win, Majie!
To see more of Majie's work:
Visit his website: www.majie.ca
Follow him on Instagram: @majielavergne
Every month, to celebrate our community of artists, ArtResin will send out a 32 oz kit to two lucky people who have shared the work they've created with ArtResin.
ArtResin: The Original Epoxy for Resin Art.
