Limitrophe
Limitrophe is a painting project that begins with the Bois de la Source in Laval, next to where Crystel grew up. As a child, she witnessed the transformation of this site through urban sprawl. Year after year, the forest’s boundaries were pushed back as new houses and condominium complexes chewed away its contours, reducing its size and modifying its form. After she moved away the transformation continued, although what’s left of the forest is now protected as a result of an agreement between the municipality and the province.
This project recounts and documents the story of the artist’s return to a location that has sentimental value for her, and her observation of the effects of time and human activity on the forest. The artist pays particular attention to borderland areas, between nature and houses. Where do they interact? How is one transformed by the other’s presence? The project also questions the value of natural areas and our ability to view nature as worthy of protection, rather than something to dominate.
For this mentorship, Crystel invited David to address different aspects of artistic practice—the artist’s statement, the different stages of the creative process, conceptual development—while she documented her return to the forest through photography, drawing, and writing to generate a series of oil paintings inspired by her experiences and their reflections.