Vivianne sees her figures, such as “She Came In From the Dark” and “Piano and Voice, Songwriter” below, as iconic, spiritual and personal. Many have an indication of a halo. Sometimes she follows themes of searching and she feels she creates powerful images using colours and shapes.

            With regard to “She Came In From the Dark,” Vivianne recalls she was walking on Sandy Beach when she suddenly saw the figure as a very clear internal image. She rushed back to her Songroom studio, at the time located on Main Road near Cameron, to paint what she had seen. As with many of her works, the title adds another perspective to the image. You can see the dark on the left side of the painting, and while the subject is facing slightly away from the dark, she doesn’t seem to have left it completely, yet is quite sanguine about her situation and doesn’t see the dark as threatening.

            “Piano and Voice, Songwriter” (above) is more cheerful. Presumably it refers back to her musical career of composing, performing songs and piano, and releasing her first CD, “Notes After the Rainstorm.” Her music is summed up on her website as, “Her haunting voice and image laden poetic lyrics, matched with a whimsical, eccentric flair for the piano, ignites a passion of song that is not to be missed.” She has a quote, “Vivianne has the innate ability to reach out to the soul with her music. I believe that music is her true calling and the work Vivianne was meant to do as her contribution to society.”

            The “Songwriter” image looks happy but to some extent less involved. She has a distance from the piano and seems preoccupied with the light and colourful debris that surrounds her. Despite the acclaim for her music, Vivianne has chosen to, as she puts it, “take a hiatus from the music industry.” She has been focusing on her studies, her painting and her new studio.

Artist Vivianne LaRiviere describes her process:

            Different experiences invite different forms of expression. Sometimes I am moved by the omnipotent beauty of nature, and other times called to maneuver the challenges of developing technique. As a person who believes that the convergence of art and spirituality has the power to heal, and one who is presently dedicating my life to the vocation of ministry and artist, I find the expression of the Holy is in everything, and everywhere.

            I believe the sacredness of Mystery also extends its Voice to move us consistently beyond our present imagination. As I unfold into a work of art, whether it is a song, a painting, a photograph or poem, more of who I am is revealed. And with these sacred gifts, I am then called to reflect and contemplate the wonder of this magic, and ask the ever life-bearing question - and whom shall this serve? For beyond these images, there is the narrative that moves me into an organic process of understanding. As a result of these various methods of expression, I come to see the path, the direction in which I must go illuminated clearly.

"Les Seins de mes Meres"

Artist Vivianne LaRiviere describes her process:

            Vivianne was born in St. Jean d’Iberville and grew up in the Ottawa Valley. She lived in Toronto fo a time but also travelled extensively. She moved to the Hudson area in 2008 and founded The Songroom, originally located in the space above the Village Travel agency and now operating only online at www.thesongroom.ca .

            Vivianne LaRiviere is a multi-media artist - a recording singer-songwriter, painter, poet, photographer, and writer. Vivianne holds a masters degree of Pastoral Sudies, a Master of Theological Studies, and has at present begun a Doctorate of Ministry program. Her focus is on the healing powers of beauty, the convergence of art and spirituality as healing practice, and the vision of new, emerging contemplative societies as a recourse to failing religious membership.

            You can often find Vivianne tromping about the countryside where she lives in St. Lazare, camera in tow. Her songs are poignant, her voice haunting, and her lyrics filled with imagery. Vivianne's paintings exhibit a fondness for bright colours, abstract thought, uncanny portraits and whatever else may drift up from the depths of her imagination. As a writer, Vivianne reflects deeply on issues that we hold sacred, bringing the ordinary into focus, and providing a sense of reverence to things we might have a tendency to overlook. An anthology of poetry and reflections is presently in the works. As a Spiritual Arts Practitioner, Vivianne also celebrates the teachings of her Indigenous ancestors, and is a licensed Reiki master.

            If you are questioning your path in life, or are perhaps needing to resolve some past trauma or grief, or simply feel called to understand more clearly the voice of your own soul, Vivianne's practice is designed to help you answer many of the deep questions that we all face: Who am I? What do I believe? Who do I wish to become? Borrowing on ancient spiritual practices, people are invited to experience a renewal of spirit and creative expression. Ultimately, we are called to take part in ethical community so that we may serve the world. The new Songroom Studio on Cote St. Charles is now open. For an appointment to visit or for a first free consult, contact Vivianne at the Songroom.

Vivianne LaRiviere
www.thesongroom.ca
viv@thesongroom.ca
450 458 7906