(RE)Emergence is a celebration of resilience, an ode to the indomitable spirit of motherhood. Delicate ceramic butterflies take flight, embodying the metaphorical significance of transformation and the fleetingness of life. Meticulously sculpted chains and cage-like structures symbolize both the resilience and protection inherent in motherhood’s hidden strength.

In this article, we are celebrating motherhood through the lens of the artist Camille Myles. Camille is showcasing a solo show at the Quest Art Gallery, a black-and-white show with a testament to the power of femininity, an exploration of dualities, and a journey of introspection and acceptance. Read on to learn more about the show.

Camille Myles is a French-Canadian multi-disciplinary contemporary artist and conservation activist exploring imagery that is grounded in our identity and reflects our impacts on the environment. Working in public art, painting, sculpture, and installation, she creates art that tells a story linked to community connection, self-reflection, and the restorative effects of nature. As she navigated the depths of mental health struggles following the birth of her third child, while juggling the demands of work and family, her life seemed to spiral out of control. In the midst of this turbulent period, a profound desire to connect with others and rediscover her artistic voice emerged.

Through the use of ceramic as my medium, I capture the fragile and transformative essence of butterflies, while simultaneously honoring the hidden strength of motherhood through meticulously sculpted chains and cage-like structures. These artworks stand as symbols of resilience and protection, showcasing the innate power within each mother.

Driven by this need for connection, she turned to social media and reached out to mothers, inviting them to take a moment for themselves. She requested a simple act: a selfie with their eyes closed, accompanied by a word that described how they were feeling. The response was overwhelming. What began as a modest request transformed into an outpouring of vulnerability and raw emotions.
Over 100 private messages flooded her inbox, each containing heartfelt testimonials on the inner struggles of contemporary motherhood—an unfiltered discussion seldom presented on curated social media pages. These photos became a portal, leading her on a path of reconnection with both her art practice and her community. It was within this transformative journey that the seeds of (RE)Emergence were sown.

In this exhibition, she explores the profound metaphorical significance of butterflies as symbols of change and the transient nature of life, the show explores the inner struggles and beauty of motherhood. The unraveled sculptural chain serves as a powerful visual representation of the constraints and burdens we carry, both individually and collectively. As it unfurls, it symbolizes the act of shedding self-imposed limitations and embracing the transformative potential that lies within each of us.

When creating (RE)Emergence, I never thought I was going to create a black and white show (colour has always been important in my work). The show has been a real labour of love. Within every hand-built chain lies a story of resilience and determination to reclaim myself, my art practice and letting go to process.

The installation itself is divided in half, creating a stark contrast achieved through the use of India ink to introduce darkness onto the ceramic chain and butterflies. By incorporating India ink to create darkness on the ceramic chain and butterflies, I aim to highlight the necessary presence of darkness in life’s transformative processes. This contrast symbolizes the delicate balance between opposing forces and reflects the inherent tensions we encounter, such as the interplay of light and dark, good and bad, and right and wrong.

Within the installation, the emergence of ceramic butterflies takes on added symbolism. The imagery of monarch butterflies, specifically chosen for this installation, carries a deeper significance. Monarchs are keystone species within their environment, carefully monitored by conservationists to understand the health and well-being of an ecosystem. This symbolism is tied to the recognition of mothers as keystone species in our society, whose vital role and nurturing presence impact the well-being of families and communities.
This immersive exhibition, housed at Quest Art Gallery in the Midland Cultural Centre, invites you to step into a realm where the past converges with the present. It is a testament to the power of femininity, an exploration of dualities, and a journey of introspection and acceptance. Join me on this transformative path, as we embrace the interconnectedness of our stories and discover the solace that lies within the delicate balance of light and darkness.

Experience (RE)Emergence at Quest Art Gallery, open Monday to Friday from 10 am-4 pm. Mark your calendars for the artist talks on July 22nd from 2-3:30pm.