Meet Alexandra Bellefeuille | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexandra Bellefeuille and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexandra, how do you think about risk?

There was never a time in my life where taking a risks did not lead to opportunities. The outcome was not always what I expected when taking those leaps of faith, but somehow a door would always open.

Over 6 years ago I left Canada for the USA to follow my ex-husband. Unable to work due to my spousal visa, I decided to pursue my art which gave me the push I needed to create full-time and build my brand – ‘Akia Studio’.

Living in Connecticut, near Manhattan allowed me to make connections, showcase my art and collaborate with likeminded creatives. These experiences have shaped me greatly in my artistic career and would have never happened if I didn’t take the risk of leaving home.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

My art journey has been intertwined with major pivotal moments in my life these past few years. When I started painting full time 4 years ago and launched my business, I was injured and required hip surgery. The recovery was lengthy. Couch-bound, I decided to utilize this time and refine my brand.

Motivated, I prepared for my first solo art exhibition which took place less than 4 months later. The show was an absolute success. My pieces focused on exuding feelings of joy and connection at a time where Covid was dividing us.

Unfortunately, as my momentum built, so did my pain. A few months later, I was informed that I’d be needing a revision surgery. This time they would need to break my pelvis bone, tilt it and insert rods. I was shattered. Another 6 weeks on crutches, 3 months before returning to ‘normal activities’. Going through a second surgery in a different country without the support of my family – I was afraid. During this period, my body of work was composed of monochrome abstract pieces. A true reflection of the thoughts and feelings I was experiencing. Fighting depression and isolation, I dove into my work and found empowerment in my series entitled “a force of nature” which focused on femininity, strength and perseverance.

The second surgery was a success. Unfortunately, during my recovery, I found out that my ex-husband had been cheating on me for 8 years with multiple women. I was gutted. Everything I thought I knew was a lie. Emotionally and physically broken, I got up and walked away from a life which no longer served me. My mom came, picked me up and brought me back home to Canada where I spent the next 6 months healing. I immediately started working on my three part series entitled “Seeking Nirvana – A journey to healing”, which focused on the different stages of grief I experienced.

As an artist, my ultimate goal has always been to maintain an open conversation with my audience. Creating a space where those who experience my art can also feel seen and heard. This was a pivotal moment in my art career as I vowed that I would not create for anyone but myself, allowing my art to be authentically me – pieces of me.

Now that I have found stability once again, I continue to explore human relationships and our connection to the universe. I have many big projects in mind as I move into my new studio space this month. I’m excited to announce that I will be collaborating with a local friend and artist Alyssa Longchamps (@alyssachamps) as we prepare to host an exhibition later this year entitled ‘Mind and Space’.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

I live in Ottawa now, the capital of Canada. The city boasts of coffee shops and international dining that is truly worth experiencing. Some would even argue that we have the best shawarma joints in the country. If you are interested in discovering local artists, I suggest stopping by Wall Space gallery where you will find an array of artistic styles.

During autumn you can admire the changing leaves at Spa Nordik, located in Chelsea. You can enjoy the thermal baths while overlooking the beautiful rolling hills of Gatineau park. Winter activities include attending the winterlude festival, skating on the canal and eating Beaver Tails (a famous Canadian fried pastry covered in cinnamon and sugar). Regardless of the season, the city has something in store for everyone.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

A big shoutout to Louis Angel, who has followed my artistic journey so far and been of great inspiration. Grateful to all of my clients and supporters who continue to motivate me as I share my experience of this life through creating.

A special shoutout to my parents who have helped me through my darkest days and continue to support my dream.

Website:  www.akiastudio.com

Instagram: @akiastudio

Linkedin: Alexandra Bellefeuille

Facebook: @Akiastudio

Image Credits
@Hideki.aono.media