CH.89: If you were to categorize or describe the style of your artwork, what would it be and why?
PPP: My medium is collage and digital transformation. Difficult to label my style, let’s say it is a mix of surrealism and realism. I think it is instantly recognizable.
CH.89: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
PPP: At the beginning of my career from the surrealist artists, now from everything that surrounds me.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about what your creative thought process is like when starting a new project/ piece of artwork?
PPP: When I do commissioned work I read the article a few times and underline the major ideas. I, then, gather all kinds of cut-outs from the many drawers in my studio where those are classified more or less. The composition can start after this. I look for more pieces if needed, I discard others, until I get the perfect composition in harmony with the article. For personal work everything is looser, I can simply start from cut-outs I like for example.
CH.89: Is there anything in particular that you would want people to take from your artwork?
PPP: Perhaps a deep understanding of color harmony and interesting narratives. Bright and cheerful images.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about your lifestyle as an artist and what that is like?
PPP: The morning is for reading, enjoying a cup of espresso, reading and answering emails, and thinking of the day to come. In the afternoon and evening I work, sometimes more reading and/or a film. I take time to go cycling, play ping-pong in parks, and occasionally travel.
CH.89: When starting out an artistic task, do you think it is better to have a particular direction/set plan guiding your way? Or, is it better to act on impulse and go from there?
PPP: When I do commissioned work, I have a direction which is the subject of the article, otherwise, for personal work I let my imagination wander from cut-outs to cut-outs.
CH.89: What is one major lesson you’ve learned as an artist thus far?
PPP: To last as an artist is hard work and passion.
CH.89: Do you regard personal style & taste to be of highest importance?
PPP: It is important that it comes naturally.
CH.89: What do you consider to be the hardest thing about being an artist?
PPP: To last.
CH.89: What is one thing you love about being an artist?
PPP: Freedom.
CH.89: Is there anyone in particular, any artists that inspire you in any way?
PPP: As I said earlier, the surrealist artists (Dali, Magritte, etc.), but could also be anything I’m interested in at the moment.
CH.89: What do you think of technology in terms of being a useful tool for artists today?
PPP: Very useful to me. It is my medium.
CH.89: Do you think being an artist allows you to view the world differently from those who don’t follow creative paths?
PPP: Everybody sees the world differently from others depending on their job, history, environment, etc. Artists have very different views from one another.
CH.89: Do you enjoy traveling? If so, do you have a favorite city?
PPP: Yes, I do. I traveled a lot in my youth and still am. Love Europe.
CH.89: Do you have a favorite author or book?
PPP: No, but I read a lot, essays and novels.
CH.89: Any future goals or plans for your artwork?
PPP: A major exhibition of my most recent artworks in one of the cultural houses of the City of Montreal this summer.
CH.89: What does being an artist mean to you?
PPP: It means doing what I love for a living.
CH.89: What’s the last song you listened to?
PPP: “Evolution ended” by Naked Funk.
CH.89: Any last words on the aesthetic of your artwork?
PPP: Nope.
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