Corinne Kaedzierski: the sea as a studio
In our series on the painters of Saint Martin, Corinne Kaedzierski stands out as an extraordinary artist. She works neither in a studio nor in a gallery: she paints on the water, inspired by the Caribbean light and a sense of freedom all her own.
To meet Corinne Kaedzierski — or CK, as she likes to sign her works — you have to leave dry land behind. For it is aboard the catamaran where she lives that she welcomes us, into a cosy interior where her paintings fill every corner. A life built far from the beaten track, shaped by stopovers and maritime horizons, which eventually led her to a clear realisation: painting.
The School of the Brush
Nothing predestined Corinne for painting — and that is perhaps what makes her journey so endearing. Entirely self-taught, she began by painting animals, mainly felines, for the simple pleasure of experimenting. “At the start, it was just for fun, but mainly to learn how to draw,” she confides. She fumbles, observes, starts again — and makes progress. The 2020 lockdown changed everything: unable to work, she decided to devote herself to it more seriously and regularly. It was then that she uninhibitedly explored abstract art, pop art and photographic reproductions, and began incorporating unexpected materials into her compositions. Acrylic naturally emerged as her medium of choice — its vibrancy and quick-drying properties suited her approach perfectly. Public feedback came fairly quickly, and was warm. “I was soon encouraged by those around me, but also by complete strangers.” Simple words, but ones that spurred her on to continue along this path.
An artist who doesn’t yet know her own potential
In 2024, Corinne embarked on a new chapter by devoting herself to portraiture, primarily of women, with a sensitivity and mastery that surprised the public. The canvases hanging on board bear witness to this: women’s faces with refined features, bold colours, dark backgrounds streaked with golden highlights — a powerful, silent femininity that commands the viewer’s gaze. Yet painting on a boat brings its own set of challenges — limited space, salt, instability — but it is precisely this unique context that fuels her drive. In 2025, her first exhibition at the Baie Orientale marked an important milestone, and following several sales, her paintings now travel to the United States, the Caribbean, and Europe. A fine recognition for someone who, nevertheless, has not quite managed to come to terms with it yet. The question of legitimacy remains unresolved: without formal training, Corinne hesitates to claim what she does, even when the public, for its part, is in no doubt. “I don’t really consider myself an artist yet,” she confides shyly. A future, more ambitious exhibition is nevertheless already in the pipeline. A journey and dreams, as unconventional as they are sincere, driven by a woman who continues, canvas after canvas, to reinvent herself.
