Charlevoix, vibrant in terms of culture and traditions!
Quilting is a sewing technique which was first introduced in Quebec by the French settlers around the turn of the 16th century. It was first and foremost a pragmatic craft of rudimentary nature: two pieces of fabric were used, one for the top and bottom layers in which was inserted middle wool or cotton filling. The fabrics used were provided for by the homeland, as was the case of other handicraft activities, which incidentally made a comeback in the 1970’s: pottery, macrame, lace to lace, crochet.
Since then, quilting has migrated towards being a creative endeavor, whether it be a simple pastime or for the sheer delight of working with one’s hands, it is now being recognized as an art form. From its initial occupational therapy nature, embedded in history, synonymous with decoration and friendship as seen by the “friendship” quilt, it has become a novel means of self-expression: from its wall murals exhibiting more vivid colours to its range of diversified material in a free-form construction mode.
This work, inspired by the traditional Quebecois quilt, is made from more than 400 pieces of fabric sewn together. The 8-point star shape, referred to as Charlevoix’s Star (l’Étoile de Charlevoix), upholds a particular symbolism. This Charlevoix emblem has not been registered, but it is said to derive from the Mi’kmaq nation who frequented Charlevoix in the 19th and beginning of the 20th century. At the time, it was a prized motif for the people of Charlevoix, who produced and sold handicraft to vacationers.
This 8-point star shape is rich in meaning: the square, situated in its centre, symbolises solidity, stability, and perfection; its four sides constitute the cardinal points while its eight branches display cultural, religious undertones as well as aspects of nature’s four elements.
· Social realm (welcoming, dedication, vitality)
· Intellectual realm (visual arts, theatre, music, and fine crafts)
· Material realm (economy, agriculture, land occupancy)
· Spiritual realm (faith, courage, love)
· Mountains, gardens, lakes
· Sports and navigation
· Hunting and fishing
· Camping and ecology
All these elements are represented, however as mentioned above, this symbolic has never been registered though it has been cited in certain works.
COLOURS AND TEXTURES
Its colours are a direct reference to the seasons: fall and its red and orange hues, golden summer with its ocre, winter’s cool greys and blues and finally spring with its hint of bright green amongst dark green foliage.
The star is intertwined with different textures, notably the weaving process known as the boutonne (boutonné) typical of Charlevoix’s textile heritage (proposed as an element on UNESCO’s list of intangible heritage). The boutonne de Charlevoix, is an expression which is typical of Charlevoix and first appeared at the start of the 1800’s in l’Isle-aux-Coudres. The 8-point star is one of the most well-known motifs. This method of insertion weaving has become an endangered craft. Thankfully, for more than 10 years now, it has regained its former nobility through the work of weaver Anne-Marie Hamel.
At a distance, we are compelled by the mural fresco’ s chromatic vibration as it reveals its multiple perspectives…as if Charlevoix, Quebec and Club Med welcomed us within its prism to accompany us on a memorable journey.
THE APPEAL OF CHARLEVOIX’S HISTORY
Charlevoix’s history is as abundant as it is well documented. From log driving, to its schooners and majestic « white boats » (maritime route), from its breath-taking landscapes, to its artistic legacy and the notoriety of its painters (Groupe of Seven), renowned names have helped Charlevoix and Quebec flourish such as the Forget, Cabot, Desmarais, Malcom-Fraser families, to name a few.
Charlevoix abounds with awe-inspiring tourist attractions that are interspersed along themed itineraries to satisfy everyone’s tastes, from the classical music lover to the thrill-seeker, one is bound to find what they are looking for !
HISTORICAL - SPRING - SUMMER - FALL - WINTER - MAKING OF - HOME