Meet Luc Martineau | Visual Artist | Retired Judge

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

Hi Luc, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit order, once famously remarked: “Give me a child until he is seven, and I will show you the man.”

Art and law have coexisted in my life since early childhood. As the eldest in a family of four, born in the fifties, I was deeply influenced by my mother and grandmother. My mother, with her remarkable coloratura voice, filled our home with music and introduced me to opera, cinema, and French literature, especially Victor Hugo and Alexandre Dumas .. My grandmother, a painter, ignited my passion for visual arts and theater. Inspired by comic strip heroes and poetic images , I filled pages with drawings and penned short stories and poems .

Meanwhile, my father, an accountant, dreamed of me following the footsteps of his father and brother, a well-known politician and lawyer. This lineage influenced my path, and an unexpected gift from my uncle—a copy of the Civil Code of Québec—led to my first impromptu trial in seventh grade, where I argued my first case before my classmates. Standing before an audience, reciting texts, gave me a thrill—I could be a future Perry Mason, the TV hero of the sixties, defending the unjustly accused.

Surprisingly, I found that my love for justice was a form of art in itself! I pursued a richly rewarding legal career, culminating in my appointment as a judge at the Federal Court of Canada. This professional journey ran parallel to my artistic pursuits—I never stopped writing and painting.

This duality of art and law has shaped who I am today.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a self-taught artist, my journey began with drawing and painting while pursuing a career in law. Growing up in a family with a strong legal background, I studied law in the 70s and became a lawyer. In 2002, I was appointed a judge to the Federal Court of Canada. Despite my legal career, my passion for art never waned. Painting provided a therapeutic refuge from the weighty responsibilities of judgment . Above all, we need independant and courageous judges ,

Judging is an art in itself. The brave judge applies conscientiously the law of the land as he or she understands it, without fear or favour and without regard for the decision’s popularity with his or her contemporaries or the general public.Ultimately, we, humans, should never lose sight of who we are in the first place: a reasonable species having chosen to be governed by law.

Reaching this point professionally wasn’t easy. The bullying I faced during my school years drove me to pursue law as a path to empowerment, but my heart remained in the arts. Painting allowed me to release the pressures of judging and reconnect with my creative side. Balancing a demanding legal career with my artistic pursuits required immense dedication. In 2021, I retired from the Federal Court to fully dedicate myself to painting as a professional visual artist.

What sets me apart is my ability to blend tangible and ethereal elements, creating unique pieces with deep emotional resonance. I’m particularly proud of my recent collaborations with designers, merging art and fashion to create hand-painted couture. This fusion of art forms excites me and represents the innovative direction of my work.

The creative process for me is deeply intuitive and alchemic, involving a blend of imagination, emotion, and technique. When transforming a dress design into a digital artwork, I let the design come alive, envisioning the type of woman who would wear it. I create a living scene and tell a compelling story, using sketches, paintings, and photos to set the mood. This process involves numerous chromatic changes and layers of superimpositions, resulting in a unique, living artwork.

One of my most personal and evocative projects is “Family Constellations,” which explores ancestral legacies and their impact on our present selves. This project combines hand-painted couture, evocative prose, and video montages to honor and reflect on the ties that bind us across generations. Through symbolic art and storytelling, we invite viewers to reflect on their own familial connections and the broader human experience. We are still in the conceptual phase and seeking proper financing, but the project’s potential for creating a profound and resonant experience is immense.

I want the world to know that my art is not just about aesthetics; it’s a dialogue between the tangible and the ethereal. My brand represents the fusion of art, law, and fashion, inviting others to see beyond the surface and appreciate the intricate symphony of life. I’m excited about the continued evolution of my work, especially through new multimedia elements and collaborations.

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?
My best friend shares my love for cinema, theater, music, and the arts . I would want to make sure the couple experience the best this LA has to offer. This is purely subjective and I guess other people may have better suggestions.

First off, we’d kick things off with a visit to the Griffith Observatory. There’s nothing quite like the panoramic views of LA and the iconic Hollywood Sign. We’d spend a lazy afternoon exploring the exhibits and maybe even catch a planetarium show. For dinner, we’d head to Musso & Frank Grill, an old Hollywood staple. It’s like stepping back in time, and the martinis are legendary.

One evening, we’d definitely have to catch a performance at the Walt Disney Concert Hall . The acoustics are incredible, and the building itself is a piece of art. Afterward, a late-night stop at Canter’s Deli for some classic pastrami sandwiches would be a must.

We’d spend a day soaking up the sun at Venice Beach, people-watching and exploring the eclectic shops and street art. A bike ride down to Santa Monica Pier would cap off the day perfectly. The Lobster has a fantastic view of the ocean and is perfect for a sunset dinner.

For a deep dive into the arts, we’d visit The Getty Center and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). Both have phenomenal collections, and the architecture alone is worth the trip. The Urban Light installation at LACMA is a perfect spot for an evening photo op.

Of course, we couldn’t skip out on some classic LA food experiences. Breakfast at The Original Pantry Cafe is a must—it’s been around forever, and the pancakes are divine. And we’d have to hit up Grand Central Market for a variety of eats; there’s something for every palate there.

To satisfy our cinephile hearts, a studio tour at Warner Bros. would be on the list. Seeing behind the scenes where some of our favorite movies and shows were made is always thrilling. Plus, it’s a nice blend of history and Hollywood magic.

For a taste of local culture, we’d stroll through the Arts District, exploring galleries and maybe catching a live performance at a small venue. The street art there is phenomenal, and it’s always buzzing with creative energy.

To wrap things up, we’d have a relaxing day at Descanso Gardens, reflecting on our adventures and enjoying the natural beauty. And for the final night, a dinner at Nobu Malibu, with its stunning ocean views and incredible sushi, would be the perfect way to end the trip.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am profoundly grateful to all who have supported and inspired me, especially my beloved wife Marjorie, our sons Jean-Luc and Olivier, and my daughters Valérie and Véronique. I am also grateful to my sister Johanne and her husband, pianist Alain Lefevre. Their support has been my foundation. My enthusiasm for life and art is fueled by faith in humanity and God. Today, I have a very special thought for my mother, Marie-Blanche, who, at 92, continues to inspire me despite being affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

In 2023 ,thanks to Richard Tardif, photographer and videographer, who documents all my artwork, I collaborated with fashion designer Frank Sukhoo and hat designer Madeleine Cormier, merging art and haute couture. I created unique painted dresses and hats featured in Luxe magazine and in the two previous editions of Musetouch visual arts magazine. In 2024, I’ve collaborated with designer Maia Sylba, using her dress designs to craft original digital paintings of haute couture dresses. These works are featured alongside my photographic “Art Seekers” and “High-Rise Ties” series in the current edition of Musetouch, entitled “Vision.”

Links:
• Alain Lefevre: alainlefevre.com
• Richard Tardif: rtardifphoto.com
• Frank Sukhoo: sukhoosukhoo.com
• Madeleine Cormier: chapeauxdemadeleine.ca
• Luxe magazine: luxemagazineottawa.com
• Musetouch: musetouch.org
• Maia Sylba: linkedin.com/in/maiasylba/
• Musetouch Eternal: musetouch.org/musetouch-eternal-pay-free

Website: https://lucmartineau.ca/en/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martineau6458/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luc-martineau/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100078182802397

Image Credits
Photos: Richard Tardif