Rachelle LeBlanc

Artist Statement

In a world driven by rapid production and disposability, I find meaning in traditional materials and techniques, particularly those rooted in 'women's work.' As an interdisciplinary artist, I merge hand-hooked embroidery, tufting, and ceramics to explore the fluidity of self, transformation, and belonging. My work reflects my journey as a parent and woman while addressing the evolving nature of identity and family within larger societal contexts.

Each tapestry is meticulously crafted by hand, with thousands of loops that form intricate and subtle imagery—much like pixels in a digital image. I use hand-dyed fabrics, upcycled materials, yarns from recycled water bottles, vintage silks, embroidery, and beads to create a rich, textured narrative. In contrast, my porcelain and earthenware clay sculptures are formed from southern clay, which has been historically used by the region's Indigenous peoples, infusing each piece with a sense of memory and history.

Through these works, I aim to challenge perceptions of tradition and identity while fostering conversations about belonging and transformation in contemporary society.

Bio

Rachelle LeBlanc is a French American/Canadian artist who spent two decades as a fashion designer and pattern maker in Montreal. Her work delves into the intersection of personal narratives and broader societal issues, sparking conversations about identity, resilience, and inclusivity. While her primary medium is hand-hooked surface tapestries (rug-hooking), she also works with clay and glass casting, adding depth and texture to her storytelling.

LeBlanc's work has been exhibited in galleries and museums across Canada and the United States, including the American Embassy in Algiers; the Robert Bateman Foundation Gallery in Victoria, CA;  the Art Gallery of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, CA; the Royal Alberta Museum, Edmonton, Alberta, CA; the Harbourfront Center in Toronto, Ontario, CA; Yeiser Art Center in Kentucky; Stamford Art Gallery in Connecticut; Glassell School of Art, Houston, TX; Kinder Morgan Building, Houston, TX; and Lawndale Art Center, Houston, TX. Her pieces are part of prestigious collections such as the City of Houston Airport Art Collection, the Royal Alberta Museum, and the Alberta Foundation for the Arts.