Mélanie Paulin (she/her) is a contemporary artist who works in textiles, printmaking, and installation. Her practice centers on self-care, environmental care, and feminist perspectives, drawing from and reinterpreting personal life experiences. Paulin embraces the handmade nature and imperfections of her work and holds a special interest in the acknowledgement and recognition of the many ways that women make art.
A graduate of the Foundation for Visual Arts program at the New Brunswick College for Craft and Design and alumnus of the ArtsLinkNB CATAPULT Arts Accelerator program, Paulin also holds a PhD in environmental microbiology. She serves on the board of Galerie Sans Nom in Moncton and is a dedicated supporter of her local art community.
Paulin’s work has been supported by artsnb and Canada Council. Her work has been shown at Galerie Sans Nom, Atelier Imago, George Fry Gallery and FICFA festival. She is based in Moncton, New Brunswick from where she mothers, lives, and works.
Artist Statement
My practice centers on self-care, environmental care, and feminist perspectives, drawing from and reinterpreting my personal life experiences. Through textile arts, printmaking, and installation, I explore the beauty of imperfection and celebrate the uniqueness of the handmade. I frequently repurpose discarded materials, breathing new life into forgotten textiles, yarns, and papers.
My work is rooted in a deliberate and thoughtful process, where repetitive motions create space for my thoughts to intertwine with the rhythm of my hands. This practice of “slow making” is not about the speed of creation but about harmonizing with the natural pace of life. Through this meditative process, I create room for personal growth, contemplation, and connection.
In a world driven by relentless acceleration, I invite viewers to engage with my art slowly—to linger, reflect, and uncover the emotions embedded in each piece. My work emphasizes the value of care and intention, urging a deeper connection to the materials and stories that shape our lives.
A central focus of my practice is the acknowledgment of women’s labor through artmaking. I am deeply interested in making visible the invisible contributions of women, both historically and in contemporary contexts. By embracing traditional forms like rug hooking and weaving, I honor the creative labor often overlooked or undervalued while recontextualizing it within conversations about environmental and social responsibility.
