BIO
Giselle Gautreau is an artist who works in oil and encaustic paints. She creates deep, meditative work drawing inspiration from the environment.
Giselle has exhibited widely and has received awards and recognition for her work. Her paintings are in public and private collections in the United States and internationally. She currently resides in Charlottesville, VA. She is also an educator, teaching painting classes from her studio, and is an art faculty at Renaissance School. Giselle is a resident artist at McGuffey Art Center, a restored historic school building, where she keeps her studio.
ABOUT THE WORK/ARTIST STATEMENT
In my art, I explore the convergence of memory, landscape, and ecology, with a recent focus on a series that delves into the imagery of maps, contemplating changing coastlines and migratory bird patterns in the context of climate change. Nature's hues and atmospheric subtleties serve as my constant inspiration, brought to life through layers of oil or encaustic paints that evoke depth and luminosity.
My paintings are informed by direct observation and a deep connection to the landscapes I portray. As I consider the impacts of climate change, I contemplate the landscape as a metaphor for adaptation and loss, highlighting our intertwined relationship with nature. Through my art, I aim to provoke contemplation and appreciation for the intricate interconnectedness of our world and the enduring beauty amidst the flux of time.
