Florence Rivest
Interview & Photography / Catherine Bernier
Florence Rivest is a professional illustrator from Montreal. She primarily works with gouache, with a focus on environmentalism and biodiversity. Growing up, she had the privilege of being surrounded by nature in a family that cherished the outdoors. During her teenage years, she worked as a camp counselor, leading long-distance canoe-camping trips for young girls. These experiences provided the inspiration that fueled her painting throughout the year. The lakeside white pine trees featured in these trips began to appear in her professional work, gradually shaping her unique style in the illustration world. Three years ago, she began sharing her love for the outdoors and her passion for art through her project, Erre, which is just that: art classes and expeditions in nature.
On a golden October morning, I made my way to the cabin where I was meeting Florence for the first time in person. True to her love for the outdoors, she was already up, painting on a huge canvas on the deck. I knew Florence from Beside magazine—we had both been collaborators—but it was the first time we were spending time together in person. Florence is as funny as she is talented, with a knack for making you feel like an old friend within minutes. Our time together felt like a rare moment, a blending of creativity, nature, and genuine connection.
What were your intentions for the residency, and how did it go?
To be honest, I didn’t have very clear expectations when I arrived at The Parcelles. I just had a feeling that it would be good for my 'non-stop, all-out, work-hard self' to take a couple of days alone by the ocean and try to slow down. In truth, it worked wonders. Despite having a packed to-do list, I went to bed every night smiling, rested, and grateful. The daily dips in the freezing ocean and runs along the coast gave me both energy and inspiration, while the cabin itself felt restorative.
A major highlight was the outdoor painting class I was able to lead for local kids and artists, thanks to Cath’s organization. Meeting people from the area deeply enriched my experience and confirmed what I had suspected: the people of Nova Scotia are just like their land—beautiful, authentic, and inspiring.
Tell us about your future projects.
Right now, I’m wrapping up a series of illustrations for a major brand, planning upcoming expeditions and workshops for Erre, deepening my painting practice by taking on more commissioned work, and dreaming about my next visit to Nova Scotia at The Parcelles!
I just sorta knew it would be good for my "non-stop-all-out-work-hard self" to take a couple days alone by the ocean.
- Florence
Would you recommend this art residency to other artists and why?
To anyone hesitating about booking a residency at The Parcelles, just a heads-up: you will fall in love with the place, with Cath and Gab, and you’ll want to move in forever. Can’t say no one warned you. No, seriously—go for it, and go alone. It’s absolutely soul-soothing to fall asleep to the sound of the waves, watch the marine birds play in the wind, feed the fire in the little crackling stove, and taste the salt of the ocean.
Follow Florence / @flo.rivest
Portraits by Catherine Bernier / @cath.be
