Design City: Talent Spotlight in Montreal
Interview with Stephane Milhomme
TAXI >> How would you describe the design scene in Montreal?
Stephane Milhomme>> I’d describe Montreal as a very diversified city with many great artsist who make the design industry in Montreal a better place. Artist who put Montreal on an international level. We’ve noticed a great change in the last few years but I think the best is yet to come.
TAXI >> What do you feel is lacking in Montreal’s’ design industry and how do you think you can contribute to the industry, society and economy as a creative individual?
Stephane Milhomme>> As a fashion design photographer, I would like to show images that are more creative and open minded for magazines who dare to show a bit more. I can contribute to the industry by showing a personalised image of the fashion industry in order to have the audience dream while looking at my photography.
TAXI >> I love your photography; it seems to have quite a certain romantic quality to it. Are you a romantic by nature?
Stephane Milhomme>> I don’t see myself as a romantic, I rather see myself as a human being who sees both women and men differently than the average male photographer.
TAXI >> The models in your images have a special distinct personality to them. Do you get to choose all your models? If so, what do you look out for in them before you fire away your shutter?
Stephane Milhomme>> Unfortunately it is difficult to always chose the models, but when I am fortunate enough to be able to do so, I like to chose women who are not too sexy with non-classical looks. I like to show subtle emotions that allows the reader/viewer to make up his own story.
TAXI >> We notice that you like to place your models in interesting but yet simple spaces. We especially like the ones with the concrete spaces in your portfolio. Tell us honestly, which is more important to you? The location or model?
Stephane Milhomme>> The model is far more important than the location. I love photographing people in very distinctive places or, and this may sound contradictive, in unknown locations where no one can recognise where we are.
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Design City: Talent Spotlight in Montreal
Interview with Lino
TAXI >> How would you describe the design scene in Montreal?
Lino>> I think Montreal can be proud of what’s going on in graphic design here. Because of our multicultural society we merge different influences and the result is a very hybrid look, with a strong graphic impact.
TAXI >> What do you feel is lacking in Montreal’s’ design industry and how do you think you can contribute to the industry, society and economy as a creative individual?
Lino>> I think what’s missing is a dose of audacity from the “deciders”. We still live in “boomers” market and unfortunately they slow down the emergence of fresh talents. I think it’s time to trust the intelligence and
the sensibility of the consumers and Art is certainly a great way to open this dialogue.
TAXI >> What was the turning point in your life that made you decide you wanted to be an illustrator?
Lino>>Probably the end of the 90’s. Everything was changing so fast around us. Family, religion, work, politics, media, environment, images every where with a lack of reality. I personally decided then, to believe in Art more than anything else. Making art is giving me a sense of liberty and I really think it can help people.
TAXI >> Your works are a little reminiscent of Salvador Dali, it feels surreal. Share with us why you choose surrealism as a key theme in your works?
Lino>> The surrealism and the symbolism movement really influence my work because they both explore this intersection of consciousness and dream, it’s poetry, and it has the power to reveal the invisible side of us.
TAXI >> Which character or figure do you think you identity most with in your works, and tell us why?
Lino>> I think what is the most dominant character in my work is the way I use painting, collage and drawing to make a strong and simple message with one or two symbols that can go straight to the point with sensibility and poetry..
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Design City: Talent Spotlight in Montreal
TAXI >> How would you describe the design scene in Montreal?
Janice Nadeau >> Very present, active and growing.
TAXI >> What do you feel is lacking in Montreal’s’ design industry and how do you think you can contribute to the industry, society and economy as a creative individual?
Janice Nadeau >> In my opinion, there is a lot of talent in our city, but I think it also lacks visibility. The city’s big events — cultural or not — should be more extravagant and call more for the creators’ implication, and use those happenings in order to exhibit established artists as well as new talents.
As an illustrator, my objective is to burst the possibilities of my art by spreading my talent to other aspects of the domain. Exploring territories where design is not often see is a way to make design more visible and present.
TAXI >> Your illustrations have a very distinct style to them; it looks very exquisite, very French. Did the Parisians inspire you?
Janice Nadeau >> I am very inspired by the 20’s and 30’s French bourgeoisie retro charm and class, and naturally attracted towards this period fashion, pattern and textile history. I try to insufflate little reminiscence of this era in my work.
TAXI >> How did you get into illustrating and decide that this was the path you wanted to take?
Janice Nadeau >> It is my passion for drawing who naturally lead me first to design. I studied graphic design at University du Québec in Montreal and then specialized in illustration at L’École supérieure des Arts décoratifs in Strasbourg (France). It combines my passion for design, illustration and hand lettering.
TAXI >> If you weren’t an illustrator and an artist, what would you be?
Janice Nadeau >> Fashion designer, antique dealer, chef pâtissier, horticulturist and garden designer, florist, set and costume designer… it’s all related to art in the end!
News posted - Tuesday, November 27th, 2007
First place #5 Illustrator Janice Nadeau
Second place #1 Illustrator Violet Lemay
Third place #16 Photographer Stephane Milhomme
Mario Wagner is profiled and has a one page spread in issue #82
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All images are copyright of the respective artists and cannot be reproduced without the consent of AGM & the individual artists.
- Eva Tatcheva - Bridgepoint
------------------------ - Marta Antelo - Calle20
------------------------ - Han Sipma - DDB Edmonton
------------------------ - Nathalie Dion - Glamour Magazine
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