If you find modern reality dull and uninspiring, you probably haven’t yet discovered the artwork of Vancouver-based artist Rebecca Chaperon. Her paintings transport viewers to mysterious worlds and portals, offering a visual escape into a surreal, dreamlike universe. Next on vancouver1.one.
Moving to Vancouver
Rebecca Chaperon was born in England in 1978. After finishing high school, she moved to Vancouver to continue her education at Kwantlen College. She was particularly drawn to visual arts courses, but painting did not come naturally at first, requiring her to take extra lessons. Over time, she improved, and eventually decided to dedicate her life to art.
However, she had doubts—she wasn’t sure if she would ever become a great artist or if she could make a living from painting. Despite these uncertainties, Chaperon followed her passion and enrolled at the Emily Carr University of Art and Design. During her studies, she embraced artistic freedom, exploring different techniques to develop her unique style. She successfully graduated in 2002 and decided to stay in Vancouver, where she continues to live and work.
Artistic Career
Chaperon lives and works in Mount Pleasant, a vibrant and creative district in Vancouver. She spends most of her day in her studio, which is bright, spacious, and filled with objects that inspire her.
Her paintings combine landscapes with surreal elements such as:
- Crystals of various shapes and sizes;
- Rainbows and portals;
- Majestic icebergs;
- Mysterious caves.
These dreamlike elements define her signature surrealist style. Chaperon primarily works with watercolour paints, using soft pastels contrasted with bold black voids to create an intriguing visual tension.
Sources of Inspiration
Much of her inspiration comes from her surroundings. One of her favourite places in Vancouver is the path from Science World to the Maritime Museum, just before Kits Beach, which offers a picturesque view of False Creek.
She finds that wide-open spaces give her a sense of freedom, sparking new ideas. According to Chaperon, her best creative concepts come to her near water, whether at the beach or by the pool.
A lover of fantasy and escapism, she often paints massive portals, which appear as black voids contrasting against soft pastel landscapes. These gateways seem to pull viewers out of reality, immersing them in an alternative universe filled with mystery and intrigue. The vibrant colours evoke euphoria, while the dark tones add an air of suspense.
Exhibitions and Achievements
Rebecca Chaperon’s works are exhibited at Kimoto Gallery in Vancouver and other galleries across Canada and the United States. She has received two Canada Council for the Arts awards for her paintings Antarctic and Cave Paintings.
Her artwork has been displayed in:
- Seattle;
- Toronto;
- Vancouver;
- Montreal;
- Richmond;
- Chicago;
- San Francisco;
- Los Angeles.
At several exhibitions, her pieces were sold even before the show opened, reflecting strong demand for her unique artistic vision.
Challenges in Her Work
Despite her mastery of paint and brushes, Chaperon admits that photography is not her strength. She initially tried to photograph her own paintings, but eventually decided to hire a professional photographer to accurately capture every detail and shade of her artwork.
Advice for Aspiring Artists
Rebecca Chaperon advises young artists to approach their creative process in a way that feels natural and enjoyable. She believes that turning a passion into a chore can drain creativity. Instead, she encourages artists to embrace enthusiasm and joy, as this leads to better artwork.
She also stresses the importance of practice. Artists should find a style that resonates with them, then refine and adapt it according to their own artistic vision and techniques.