About Phil (new) — Phil Carriere | Photography transformed in unique framed wall art

Artist Statment

I find it interesting that something has been around long enough to interfere with its original design and how it is viewed today. I also appreciate the tension between how it looks to whoever is caring for it and how it looks to me, because to me, the most appealing subject is old, crumbling down, and falling apart. That’s a problem as they will be erased from our lives one day.

My goal is to make them immortal through my art by celebrating the working-class heroes of the past, and by exhibiting the pride, patience, and dedication of those who built the world as we know it today. However, where the words end, the music begins. Everything in the universe has a rhythm. Everything dances. I try to convey the emotions and rhythms found in different musical styles into my art.

In my art, accentuated by a unique printing process, you will find a grand symphony of Beethoven, the raw sound of Delta Blues, the electrifying rumble of Hendrix or Page, and much more. A musical rhythm marks each image, but it’s so much more than photography. By using different work experiences in the woodworking and printing industries, I have the privilege of bringing those images to life with my own printing and framing process.

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The Present

Represented by many galleries across Canada and USA, Phil is one of the rare photographers that does all his production in-house. As a fine art photographer only since 2017, he has received many awards and sold over 1,500 artworks across four continents. From his 220 sq. f. living room where the first artworks were done, he now works in a 2,000 sq. f. studio dedicated to production. By giving the greatest gift to his life and merging multiple passions, he keeps bringing his art and project to another level.

HOW I GOT HERE…

Chapter One, The Printmaker

I was born in a print shop in Maniwaki, a small town on the Quebec side of the Ottawa region. At first, it was ‘‘Imprimerie Carriere,’’ a proud family business run by my uncle. It was huge! Unfortunately, it did not survive the economic crash of the early 80’s. Following this unfortunate event, my dad started his own print shop in his garage. And it’s in this garage that we are still building the frames today! I think there is something poetic about that.

One day, he brought home the first black and white Mac. It was for work, but I got to play with it while he was printing. Instead of doing what kids my age usually do, I was replicating logos and other stuff. Not long after, I was making fake college ID cards for my brother and his friends. It was much easier back then. And without realizing it, I fell in love with graphic design and was learning so much! A few years later, that’s what I chose to study in college. I didn’t have time to finish the program because I was called to the rescue of my dad’s shop, where I worked for a few years, mainly in the sign department.

Chapter two, The Woodworker

Another hobby that turned into a passion, then into a profession! It all started at the sign shop the day a customer asked for cut-out signs. The “grandmaster” (my dad) declined the project, saying it was not a project for us. I asked if I could do it after working hours. The project went so well that we ended up adding a few pieces of equipment and expanded the offer. A few years later, I was getting paid for hand-carved signs and wood sculptures. I miss sculpting. I will get back to it someday. This whole adventure led me to study woodworking. I ended up working as a CNC programmer and furniture designer. Furniture design is still a massive passion of mine. Don’t be surprised if someday, you find a few pieces for sale on this website! This whole adventure got me out of my comfort zone and gave me confidence. With the knowledge acquired through the printing and woodworking industry, I became a good candidate for a company providing equipment and supply to both industries. A new adventure was awaiting me in Montreal!

Chapter three,
The Photographer

Becoming a fine art photographer (or at least trying to) was a logical thing to do. After all, once I had moved to my new job in Montreal, I had access to the best imaging equipment on the market and still had access to a woodworking shop in Maniwaki. Unfortunately, this new job was not fulfilling my creative side which led Me to photography. Finding my style was the most frustrating part. Nature, portraits, architecture, street photography... I wanted to do it all but understood that I had to focus on one.

One night, as I was listening to the Led Zepplin Physical Graffiti album on vinyl. (call me a hipster if you please, but it does sound better!), I was looking at the cover. It’s the facade of a building located in New York City. I have always been obsessed with this album cover—the symmetrical aspect of it, the story behind the picture, and the building. Maybe I had found something to focus on. The following day, I started shooting facades in Montreal, and here I am seven years later, shooting facades around the world.

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