Math Lamarre, illustrator of Trigger Warning
Interview – February 14, 2025, with Math Lamarre, Illustrator for G1IDGames and Painter
It seemed only natural to shine a spotlight on the artist behind Trigger Warning and share this conversation so that everyone can learn more about the strong personality who will accompany G1IDGames on future projects.
Enjoy the read!
Hi Math, to get to know you better, could you tell people who you are and where you come from?
Hey Hugo, my name is Math Lamarre, and I’m 31 years old. I grew up in the suburbs of Montreal, where I spent my childhood as a very energetic kid with an overactive imagination and a passion for drawing and fantasy worlds. Those early years had a huge impact on me and remain a major source of inspiration for my work.
As I got older, I needed more stimulation, more human interaction, and a richer environment. Everything really started during my first year at Cégep Maisonneuve, where I studied humanities. I was there more out of obligation than passion, and I quickly transferred to another college for my second year. But one course left a deep impression on me: cinema. That’s what led me to pursue studies in that field at Marie-Victorin.
That was also the time when I started spending a lot of time in Montreal. At first, the city fascinated—and even intimidated—me. Everything moved fast. There were new sounds, smells, and styles completely different from the suburbs. A true mosaic of individuality. This contrast between beauty and rawness, this mix of human and architectural diversity, left a mark on me and still influences my artistic approach today.
What has your journey been like as an independent artist?
While studying cinema, I often hung out at a friend’s apartment. He was already living on his own and spent all his time painting. I just watched—until one day, he said, "If you want to keep coming over, you have to do something. Paint." He handed me a canvas and a brush. That’s how it all started.
Little by little, I decided to pursue a Bachelor’s in Drawing and Painting at Concordia University. I learned a lot there—not just about art but about myself as well. I realized that conceptual art, which relies heavily on text and theory, wasn’t for me. My approach is more instinctive, more intuitive. At Concordia, we received feedback on our creations without rigid guidelines, which allowed me to grow.
But I never finished my degree. I’m self-taught, and I felt like too many constraints stifled the spontaneity of art. Still, I have great memories of my time there and made some valuable friendships.
What excites you about painting?
Painting is absolute freedom. It’s a moment where I disconnect from rational thinking and become fully immersed. It’s like active meditation. There’s no right or wrong stroke—just a flow of emotions translated onto the canvas. My process is deeply instinctive, almost improvisational. I let myself be guided by what I feel in the moment, and that’s what drives my passion.
What kind of art do you create?
I mainly do abstract expressionism. I love working with saturated colors, movement, and dynamic compositions. My art is heavily influenced by my passions: skateboarding, which is all about constant motion, and video games, with their immersive worlds and bold color palettes.
What is your connection to the world of games?
I’m a huge video game enthusiast. I’ve spent countless hours on Diablo 2, World of Warcraft… I love dark and fantastical worlds. I also have great memories of Dungeons & Dragons, especially character creation. Imagining and bringing to life an entity that exists only in our minds is something that fascinates me, and it’s reflected in my artwork. My paintings are often inspired by the visual effects of spells in games, with vibrant colors and an energy that borders on the abstract.
How do you approach creation?
When I work on a commission, I follow the guidelines. But when I paint for myself, everything starts instinctively. Using my palette knives, I draw the first stroke, then another, with no predefined plan. My subconscious takes over. Sometimes, I even revisit paintings years later, seeing them with fresh eyes and a new energy. It’s fascinating to watch how an artwork evolves along with us.
How do you share your art?
Mainly through word of mouth, social media, and community exhibitions. I’ve exhibited in galleries before, but the industry is very closed off. There’s a lot of gatekeeping in the art world—selections are rarely impartial, and decision-makers often seek artists who fit a certain standard. They’re hesitant to take risks on a new artist or a different style. But that doesn’t define the value of a piece. What truly matters is the connection an artist creates with their audience. Speaking of which, I have an exhibition coming up on February 22 at Hop Station in Coaticook.
Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?
It’s hard to say. Looking back, I realize that everything has always happened naturally. One thing is certain—I’ll keep painting. Skateboarding, painting, and my friends are the pillars of my life. I love exploring, experimenting, and seizing opportunities as they come. Meeting new people fuels my art. So rather than making long-term plans, I prefer to go with the flow and see where life takes me.
Where can people follow your work and purchase your pieces?
On Instagram, and soon on my own website! 👉 @math.lamarre
✨ Thanks for your time and insights! It’s a pleasure working with you, and I can’t wait to see what you’ll create for the upcoming G1IDGames projects.
Here are a few more examples of Math’s artwork:
