Originally from Ireland, she brought with her to the Lower St. Lawrence a love of craftwork and the arts. Creating makes Colette feel at home anywhere; she loves talking with people about their creative process. Her enamel earrings and pieces are sold at local markets and in the boutique Le Fil Bleu, in Kamouraska. More about Colette’s art and craftwork can be found at www.colettemeehanart.com. She also has a presence on Facebook and Etsy.
Where are you from? Where is home for you?
I’m from Dublin, Ireland. Home is Ste Anne de la Pocatière, Kamouraska. I dislike writing hyphens.When I left Ireland to go travelling, I had no definite plan in life, so I consider myself fortunate to live close enough to the St Lawrence River and that it is so wide and beautiful like the sea.
Did you know about poutine before you arrived?
I travelled with a Quebecois who warned me I’d have to try one. Of course I loved it. I come from a country where you are served mashed, roasted, baked, scalloped, chips, you name it all on the same plate if you want.
Best place to get it if you do know?
I’ve no preference. But remembering the small, medium and large portions of various vendors so as not to have too little or too much is a task indeed. I always choose the regular poutine, but I love how inventive you can get with homemade versions.
What is your favourite place in the Lower Saint Lawrence, and why?
I love shorelines anywhere, but I really enjoy visiting Rimouski. There are always several activities or events going on, the book fair, the walks along the river, and the variety of shops and galleries. And after, it’s so good to drive all the way home along the scenic route.
Your favourite pastime?
Doing nothing but having a good think about things. I particularly take advantage of the long Québec winters to incubate ideas, to go deep into a subject that’s nagging me, or to challenge some of my comfort zones. I fall for the usual traps of distraction that are around us. I could do better but I’m mindful of the richness that uninterrupted trains of thought bring. Daydreams are the doodles of the mind.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Sitting down is perfect happiness. I have so much gratitude for sofas and armchairs, for the conversations with family and friend that take place on them, all busy with our ideas, our hands crafting, having tea and cake. When I was young backpacking, I remember being the one who didn’t really care about getting to our destination. I wanted to know where we’d be stopping for tea. I didn’t appreciate how well I knew myself back then.
What talent would you most like to have?
Bookkeeping or a sense of direction.
What is your greatest achievement?
I committed to becoming the artist that I could be over 20 years ago. Whether I was good or not was not the motive. It was to connect with myself. I was very serious about that, but I discovered the trick was to play, have fun and awaken the imagination. That shocked me. Now, making and sharing my craftwork and art gives me a solid sense of who I am while also throwing me into the complete unknown with each new creative endeavour.
What is your motto?
Enjoy everything.
Biggest regret?
I’ve had plenty of time to turn regrets into strengths, but I wish I had known about social phobia sooner.
