
Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival Jan. 17-18, 2026
Viviane exhibited 4 acrylic paintings at the Deep Freeze: Byzantine Winter Festival this year.
I have been visually impaired since birth. I always loved art and physical education in school. I now paint and share my story at speaking engagements
My name is Viviane Forest and I am a multiple gold medal Paralympian and the first Canadian female athlete to win gold in both summer and winter Paralympic games.
Originally from Quebec, I have only 4% useful vision. I attended a school for the blind where I learned different art mediums, such as sculpting, painting and music. Throughout my adolescent and teenage years I developed a passion and aptitude for sports. This turned into a career that has been rewarding experiences, travel, learning to push physical and mental boundaries. After winning a total of 7 Paralympic medals, many world-class competitions in both summer (Goalball) and winter sports (Alpine ski racing). I retired from competitive sport in 2013 after the cumulative effects of injuries and multiple concussions. I now have time to explore my artistic side as part of my on-going healing journey. I hope you enjoy my work too.
I love capturing memories of my travels on canvas. Here are a few of my works in acrylic paint.
I have recently been exploring portrait painting. Finding the correct proportions is how I started and my subject on hands was a way for me to start trying this type of painting.
I was inspired to try something new when I was surrounded by all the colourful tubes of paint one day and thought l’d try painting with bold strokes and colour pairings. Here are some of the results

Viviane exhibited 4 acrylic paintings at the Deep Freeze: Byzantine Winter Festival this year.

Viviane Forest, born in Quebec and based in Edmonton, is a distinguished Paralympian who made history by winning gold medals
If you would like information on purchasing a piece of my art or to discuss a commission please fill out this form.