CAMEO IS AN ONGOING SERIES FEATURING CANADIAN JEWELLERY ARTISTS. HERE, THEY SHARE THEIR LATEST THOUGHTS AND INSIGHTS, AND GIVE US A PEEK INTO THEIR PRACTICE.
For several years now, I've been particularly interested in contemporary jewellery. I find in them a great freedom of creation that is not found in classic jewellery. I've also discovered needle and water felting, so I add these techniques to metals. This allows me to add color and the playfulness I love so much about my work. I've also been drawing since I was very young, and I love bringing to life what's going on in my head.
Describe your current work/practice in one sentence.
My inspirations are often linked to my daily life and what I experience. I also draw a lot of my inspiration from street art and yarn bombing. I have a boundless fascination for the graffiti artists of this world who express themselves freely on forbidden walls. I'm fascinated by anything strange, and I find beauty in just about everything.
What are three things/ideas that inspire you?
What other things do you do besides your jewellery practice?
I work in the family business in accounting. I'm also the mother of 2 children, one of whom is severely disabled, which takes up a lot of my time. I also do watercolour painting, where I find a certain balance and peace of mind.
My favourite piece is Unconditional Love. It's about my caregiver relationship with my son. It's a piece I put all my heart and time into.
What is a favourite piece that you’ve made and why?
Sophie Bélanger
Unconditional Love (2022)
Wool, cotton, plastic beads, nylon
Image by Eve Leclerc
Sophie Bélanger
All eyes are on you (2022)
Wool, plastic beads, sterling silver
Image by Eve Leclerc
What word pops into your mind when you think of Canadian art jewellery?
For me, contemporary Canadian jewellery is synonymous with research and creativity. Many Canadian artists also shine internationally. We are fortunate to have MetalAid, Co-Adorn and Noël Guyomarc'h to promote this nationally, but also internationally.
My work will be featured in the Milan Jewelry Drop in Italy in October. One of my pieces will also be exhibited at New York City Jewelry Week in November with Co-Adorn for the Box Up! exhibition. I dream of having a solo show one day. I'm throwing this into the universe.
What is coming up next for you?
Published: 2023/10/14
