Winner of the Best Graphic Novel in Quebec 2018!
Catherine Ocelot wonders about her place as an artist, digging into the layers of what it means to live this Art Life. In her search for answers, she talks with seven artists from different disciplines who express their doubts, their struggles, their ambitions and their sometimes-wise and sometimes-funny observations. The author stages these encounters with finesse and wit, and echoes them with scenes from her own life. Art Life is a tragicomic tale tinged with fantasy that explores the impact of others on oneself, led by an artist who slowly comes to understand herself.

Catherine Ocelot is a Montreal-based cartoonist originally from Quebec City. Beginning her career at the CBC as a designer and art director, she has collaborated on a variety of television, publishing and, occasionally, performance projects. Her work explores communication: our ways of speaking to one another, and the influence people have on each other. She brings to light the wondrous and sad moments that are woven into the fabric of relationships, with a playful melancholic humour. Art Life is her third book and first in English.

Catherine Ocelot's profile page

ALESHIA JENSEN is a French-to-English literary translator and former bookseller living in Tio'tia:ke/Montréal. Her translations include Explosions by Mathieu Poulin, a finalist for the 2018 Governor General's Literary Award for Translation; Prague by Maude Veilleux, co-translated with Aimee Wall; as well as numerous graphic novels, including work by Julie Delporte, Catherine Ocelot, Mirion Malle, and Pascal Girard.

Aleshia Jensen's profile page

"[Catherine Ocelot] brings us behind the scenes of the creative practice, giving us a glimpse of the hurtles that present themselves along the way. The chapters build on one another in a sort of coming-of-age story where each scene becomes a challenge for the heroine to overcome, whether it's hoisting herself up a tree, pitching a project to her publisher, or developing a theoretical viewpoint that will get her approach to be taken seriously. But the goal of these tests is perhaps not so much to become a successful artist, but simply to fight the necessary battles and avoid becoming jaded." - Spirale magazine
"For anyone on their own creative path who has ever struggled with imposter syndrome or writer's block, Art Life is a heart-warming and feel-good story that will bolster your spirits."
Broken Pencil