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. The shop, originally called "Imprimerie Carriere," was a proud family business run by my uncle. It was a large operation, but unfortunately, it did not survive the economic crash of the early 1980s. After this setback, my dad started his own print shop in our garage, and it's in this garage that we continue to build the frames today. I find something poetic about that.
One day, my dad brought home the first black-and-white Mac computer. Although it was primarily for work, I had the opportunity to play with it while he was printing. Instead of engaging in typical childhood activities, I began replicating logos and other designs. Before long, I was creating 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 learned so much! A few years later, I decided to study graphic design in college. However, I didn’t have time to finish the program because I was called to help at my dad’s shop, where I worked for several years, mainly in the sign department.
Chapter two, The Woodworker
Another hobby that turned into a passion and eventually a profession! It all began at the sign shop the day a customer requested cut-out signs. My dad, the "grandmaster," declined the project, stating it wasn't suitable for us. I asked if I could take it on after hours. The project turned out so well that we decided to invest in a few pieces of equipment and expand our offerings. A few years later, I was earning money from hand-carved signs and wood sculptures. I miss sculpting and intend to return to it someday.
This entire journey inspired me to study woodworking, and I eventually became a CNC programmer and furniture designer. Furniture design remains a significant passion of mine, so don’t be surprised if you come across a few pieces for sale on this website someday!
This adventure pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me build confidence. With the knowledge I gained from the printing and woodworking industries, I became a strong candidate for a company that provides equipment and supplies to both sectors. A new adventure was waiting for me in Montreal!
