Joanie Brisebois
Interview & Photography / Catherine Bernier
Joanie is a Montreal-based designer and creative director with a deep passion for storytelling, editorial design, and the timeless beauty of thoughtful craftsmanship. Through her work, she explores the intersection of art and design, blending traditional techniques with contemporary approaches to create visuals that resonate and endure.
Guided by a belief that design can connect, evoke emotion, and leave a lasting imprint, Joanie approaches each project as an opportunity to transform ideas into meaningful, purpose-driven stories.
When Joanie first booked her residency at The Parcelles, her intention was clear: to dedicate uninterrupted time to create the first book under Bobbilibris Press, the publishing arm of her platform Bobbilibris. This debut book would explore the intricate world of ex libris—Latin for “from the books of”—and the deep, intimate relationship people hold with their books. The project also paid tribute to the name Bobbilibris itself, inspired by her beloved dog Bobbie, weaving together the creative universe of books and the personal connections we form with them.
“While Bobbilibris may seem niche, at its heart, it’s a platform for book design lovers—a place to curate, create, and share a collective love for books and the stories they hold,” says Joanie.
For this first book, Joanie envisioned a piece that honored the tradition of ex libris and bookplates, while giving it a modern twist—bridging the gap between archival heritage and contemporary experimentation. Structured in five chapters—Pure Form, Altered, Upholstery, Mash-up, and Experimental—the book invites readers to journey through various transformations, blurring boundaries between past and present.
Upon arriving at The Parcelles, Joanie immediately felt a shift within herself. The stillness of nature had a calming effect on her nervous system. Time seemed to expand, and she slipped into a deep state of creative flow, free from the constraints of deadlines or digital distractions.
“My focus deepened, and I was able to channel my energy into creating something that truly represented the spirit of Bobbilibris.”
Determined to embrace the physicality of design, Joanie made the decision to bring her printer on the long drive from Montreal to Nova Scotia—a choice that became pivotal to her process. Working hands-on with paper, order, and collage allowed her to move beyond digital boundaries, crafting a narrative through texture, form, and touch. Every print, every fold, became a deliberate act of storytelling.
Nature played a profound role throughout her residency. The surrounding landscape offered both inspiration and balance, helping her alternate between deep creative immersion and mindful restoration. Days were spent in solitude within a small cabin, the sounds of waves and wind echoing her creative rhythm. One evening, when the power went out during a storm, Joanie embraced the moment, lighting a fire and continuing her work by candlelight.
“It reminded me of what I had come here for—to reconnect with the essence of creativity, to work with my hands, to return to simplicity and intention.”
The residency allowed me to reconnect with what truly matters: the essence of the creative process, creative play, the importance of working with physical materials, and the power of nature.
- Joanie
Joanie left the residency with a renewed sense of purpose, a completed vision for her first publication, and a deeper understanding of the bond between creativity, materiality, and the natural world.
When asked about the role residencies like The Parcelles play for artists today, Joanie’s response was unequivocal: “For any creative seeking space to fully commit to their practice and be nourished by their surroundings, this is the perfect spot. The cabin is filled with a unique creative energy—beautifully designed, inspiring, and deeply restorative.”
Her time at The Parcelles stands as a testament to what can emerge when artists are given space to slow down, breathe, and let their work unfold naturally—guided by the rhythms of nature and the quiet power of intention.
Follow Joanie Brisebois + Bobbilibris / @__joanie @bobbilibris
Portraits by Catherine Bernier / @cath.be
