Artist MB Boissonnault's Journey from Los Angeles to Rural France

MB Boissonnault, a 57-year-old artist, relocated from Los Angeles to the rural village of Saissac, France, seeking relief from the pressures of urban life and the gentrification of her longtime neighborhood in Venice Beach. After 25 years of living and creating art in Los Angeles, Boissonnault faced escalating rents and the loss of her studio spaces to investors and restaurateurs. She described her experience as emotionally taxing, stating, “Fighting to remain in our house... was becoming exhausting.” The transformation of Venice from a “Bohemian paradise-by-the-beach” to a tech industry hotspot left her feeling trapped and creatively stifled.

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The decision to leave the United States solidified during a visit to Saissac in 2022, where Boissonnault experienced a vision during a storm that she interpreted as a sign of her destined path. The tranquil environment of Saissac, characterized by its medieval architecture and natural beauty, provided a stark contrast to the chaos of Los Angeles. During her stay, she discovered an old pizzeria for sale, which she and her husband, broadcast engineer Evan Calford, purchased in 2023. The couple transformed the three-story building into a live-work space, which Boissonnault described as a “bolt of energy” that reignited her artistic drive.

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The renovation of their new home cost under 100,000 euros, significantly less than similar projects in Los Angeles, where comparable properties could reach $3 to $5 million. Boissonnault's studio now occupies the ground floor, allowing her to create art without the fear of eviction. She noted, “It’s a new kind of confidence, and now I’m allowed to explore the depths of my painting practice without the nagging feeling of having to prepare for the next attack.” The couple has embraced village life, trading urban amenities for a quieter existence filled with gardening and local interactions.

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Living in Saissac has provided Boissonnault with a sense of freedom and inspiration that she felt was lost in Los Angeles. She describes the surrounding landscape as awe-inspiring, filled with “a thousand tones of green” and vibrant skies. The couple's daily routine includes tending to their garden and learning French from local residents, marking a significant lifestyle shift from their previous urban existence. Boissonnault reflects on her move as a reconnection to her roots, as her ancestors originated from the French region of Normandy.

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Boissonnault expressed her gratitude for the newfound peace and creativity in her life, stating, “The quiet is the currency here, after decades of city living.” She emphasized the importance of her rural surroundings in revitalizing her artistic practice.

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While Boissonnault's story highlights the positive aspects of her relocation, it also underscores the broader issue of gentrification in urban areas like Los Angeles, which continues to displace artists and long-term residents. Critics argue that such transformations erode the cultural fabric of communities, making it increasingly difficult for artists to thrive.

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• “Fighting to remain in our house, looking with terror at the rising rents, and battling to have a place to make art was becoming exhausting,” — MB Boissonnault, Artist

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• “It’s a new kind of confidence, and now I’m allowed to explore the depths of my painting practice without the nagging feeling of having to prepare for the next attack.” — MB Boissonnault, Artist

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• “The quiet is the currency here, after decades of city living.” — MB Boissonnault, Artist

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Boissonnault's journey reflects a personal and artistic rebirth, illustrating the profound impact of environment on creativity and well-being.

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