I was born with a degenerative eye condition which leaves me with 4% functional vision. I’ve struggled with my sight since birth and attended a school for the blind for parts of my education. There I learnt sculpting, painting, music and I discovered the Paralympic sport movement.
I competed for Canada in 3 Paralympic Games, earning seven medals, in two sports–becoming the first Canadian female to win gold medals in both summer and winter Games. In 2013 I retired from competitive sport after multiple injuries and neurological damage due to many concussions. Painting has become a significant part of my healing journey and brings purpose to my life to share beauty from around the world.
In 2021 I reconnected with painting after attending a try-it event with friends. Since that emergence, I’ve painted over 40 landscapes, portraits of people and animals, and tactile abstract pieces.
I enjoy painting landscapes, portraits of people and animals, and tactile abstract pieces. My medium is acrylic paint on canvas or tiles using a variety of techniques including brushes, knives, fluid pouring, and blooming to create organic, earthy pieces. I have a fascination for light and colour creating dramatic palettes. I use the vision I have left to paint as much as I am able. My work is vivid, expressive, and prompts reflection. I am eager to learn and interact with the art community to learn and share my love of art while creating memories for all. A thriving Emergence considers learning from others and our past.
Viviane Forest is a Canadian sport hero who has never let the toughness of the journey hold her back, she gives 200% and exemplifies athletic excellence.
Viviane was inducted into the Canadian Paralympic Sports Hall of fame in 2019, and the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in 2025. After a career as a national Goalball team member (1997-2005), she transitioned to compete for Canada in the winter sport of alpine ski racing.
At the Vancouver 2010 Winter Paralympic Games Viviane won 25% of Canada’s medals, she earn podium finishes in each of her race categories: Bronze in Giant Slalom, Silver in Super-G, Slalom and Super Combined and Gold in the fastest race of all, the Downhill.
Combined with her two Paralympic gold medals in Goalball from the Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Summer Paralympic Games, Viviane is the first Canadian female to win Gold at both Summer and Winter Games (Paralympian or Olympian). She has 7 Paralympic podium medals in addition to multiple NorAm, World Cup, Chrystal Globe, and World Championship Titles as a ski racer (2008-2013).
Viviane skiis with a sighted guide in front of her who must ski better and faster than she does in order to watch behind themselves and communicate with Viviane on a bluetooth radio system, when to turn, tuck, jump, or stop. As Viviane quickly progressed in the sport she had many guides. Lindsay Debou notably was her partner during many championship hilights of Viviane’s ski career. Guides also do rigorous training, substance testing, travel, and receive federal government sport funding. As a team the two athletes excelled in the visually impaired category for years.
They raced down snow packed mountain slopes of the world at easily over 100 km/hour.
Viviane is an energetic and engaging role model. She has a humorous yet important message as she shares her story at events in schools, fundraisers, and corporate events.
