As visitors stepped into King St. Gallery on the weekend, they were greeted by the vibrant works of Isabelle St-Roch, a Montreal-based artist whose work took a turn from realism to abstraction after she suffered simultaneous ankle fractures.

Gina Edward, gallerist and curator of the feature, said that during her recovery, St-Roch couldn’t stand upright to do her abstract work. That’s when her husband sparked a creative revival in her through the art of collage.

“She was lying on the couch, recuperating and working from her computer. Her husband put a stack of magazines beside her. And, lo and behold — collage,” said Edward.

Among the standout pieces displayed was a dynamic work where bright colours and intricate forms danced across the canvas. 

“This one, ‘Flamenco,’ has a lot of movement and form,” said Edward.

“You see a movement coming this way, made to look like a flamenco dress,” she added.

“Some people even think that these are pieces of fabric or fibre. But no, it’s all magazine pieces,” said Edward, showcasing the intricacy and creativity involved in St-Roch’s process.

Her works range from vibrant, energetic collages to more subdued abstract creations, with one particularly intricate piece, “Japanese Garden,” featuring over 3,000 individual components layered with glaze for a smooth finish.

Edward said the piece embodies St-Roch’s dedication and meticulous process.

The feature aimed to broaden the gallery’s representation by featuring artists from across Canada, said Edward.

“The gallery decided that we would reach out and have a more national presence. The goal was to start curating for one artist from every province and territory,” she said.

“Our local artists and regional artists would be the primary focus, but to have one from a different province each year would be great to give a broader perspective to visitors.”

The feature not only spotlighted more national talent but also was a testament to the power of creativity to overcome adversity.

“She’s a wonderful artist. She loves to create. She needs to create. And it shows,” said Edward.