What is the best thing that I love about my work?
My work allows me to use my creativity. I feel that I have a lot of freedom. I also have the opportunity to meet very interesting people from different backgrounds. These encounters allow me to evolve as a human being.
What is my idea of perfect happiness?
Perfect happiness is constantly present. You have to know how to open up and be available. We have the power to be happy at all times.
What is my greatest fear?
I would say that it is to die without having realized all the projects I have in mind. I am aware that death is a fact and that I might not be able to realize all of them.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?
I am someone who is constantly thinking. I could realize a lot more projects if I would not put barriers to myself. I can be hard on myself. I must learn to love myself more.
Which living persons in my profession do i most admire?
There are several of them! But if I have to choose one, I would say Sebastião Salgado. He did an incredible humanitarian job. His photographs speak to me and touch me a lot.
What is my greatest extravagance?
I do not think I’m an extravagant person. I am very simple in the way that I express myself and how I dress. I do not do any actions or extravagant purchases either. If I have something extravagant, I would say my long curly hair that becomes pretty fluffy after taking a shower!
On what occasion would I lie?
It’s not my habit to lie. On occasion, I need to find myself and spend time with myself. It has already happened to me to postpone a meeting and to invent a little story in order to spend some time with myself.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?
I would say that I am very sensitive to changes in temperature. And Montreal is a city where there are constant weather changes. The humidity and the cold do not get along with my fingers!
When and where was I the happiest, in my work?
Most of the time, I’m happy when I work. There is no place or a particular moment that I prefer. It is a privilege for me to be able to practice a profession that I feel passionate about. I am very absorbed when I work and what I feel is satisfaction and happiness.
If I could, what would I change about myself?
I would like to be more confident about myself. I know I am competent and talented, but I am constantly questioning myself.
What is my greatest achievement in work?
Small or big accomplishments are great achievements for me. Each project is unique and gives me a lot of satisfaction. I would say that it is the experience of the whole journey that makes feel proud.
What do the words ‘The Financial Freedom to Create’ mean to me?
It means a lot. When the thinking is not focused on meeting the essential needs, it is much easier to have space for imagination and creativity.
Where would I most like to live?
I already live there! Montreal is a city where nature and concrete meet. It is also a place where culture and artistic expression are important. It is very rich, culturally speaking. It’s not too big and not too small. I love walking on the Mount Royal, the parks, or even near the St. Lawrence River to feel close to nature.
What is my most treasured possession?
I free myself more and more from material goods. I have no property that is essential to me. It’s not really important. Living with less makes me feel more and more light! I have small possessions that give me a lot of pleasure like some books and music records. Inner peace and the love of people who love me is priceless.
What is my most marked characteristic?
I think I’m a versatile photographer. I like to touch several subject matters. I need to explore and renew myself. The human being, from near and far, and nature are always present in my work.
What is my most inspirational location, in my city?
I often need to find myself close to nature. As I mentioned before, I really enjoy walking on the Mount Royal, the parks, being near the trees and the shore of the St. Lawrence River. I also like, sometimes, to go exploring the botanical garden. I observe the fauna and the flora. There are many varieties of plants and trees, as well as several animals.
What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city?
There are many good restaurants! It is very difficult to choose only one place. I love the opportunity to eat food from different cultures. Among my favorites, there are excellent Afghan, Mexican, and vegan sushi restaurants. So, my favorite is a small Indian restaurant called Chand Palace. It is a very simple and a affordable place, on Jean-Talon Street at the Parc-Extension neighborhood.
What books influenced my life and how?
There are several of them! The one that is the most meaningful for me is The Little Prince of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. He reminds us that we can only see with the eyes of the heart and that the most important is invisible. This is something I keep in mind.
Who are my favorite writers?
I love the novels of Quebec author Jacques Poulin. His novels allow me to travel in my head and envisage the journeys of the characters. There are two other authors that I find very interesting. Paulo Coelho and Richard Bach write philosophical novels that inspire me to reflect on the meaning of life.
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?
There’s so much good music to listen to! I will definitely listen to Harry Manx, a Canadian musician, an unpredictable improviser influenced by blues and Indian music. The Quebec band Bears of Legend that makes vibrant music that brings people together. Finally, Florent Vollant, an Innu songwriter from eastern Quebec. He sings with his soul and transmits his passion for life through his music.
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?
The Little Prince
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?
They are closed and simple people: my girlfriend, my parents, my friends, and all the people who allow humanity to evolve in the respect of others.
Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime?
Every year, I look again at Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain, a film by French filmmaker Jean-Pierre Jeunet, with actress Audrey Tautou. It is a film about sharing, happiness and love of oneself and others.
What role plays art in my life and work?
Art plays a very important role in my life and work. Living is an art in itself! Whether it is music, visual art, literature, or cinema, I love seeing the work of other artists. Everything around me can be inspiring. Creative work can begin with a word, a sound, a color… I never know where my inspiration will come from. I have to pay attention, listen and to be open.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?
My parents have always been there to encourage me in all the projects I have done. My girlfriend’s opinion is also important. Having comments of friends, who have an interest in the arts, encourages me a lot to persevere and go further.
Whom would I like to work with in 2017?
I have no particular desire. I like working with people, but also I am comfortable to work by myself. I am interested in meeting people who are passionate for what they do, people full of good energy.
Which people in my profession would i love to meet in 2017?
Again, there are no particular people I would like to meet. All encounters are welcome. Life always arranges things well.
What project, in 2017, am I looking forward to work on?
I am already working on several projects. I would like to present a solo exhibition of photographs in a gallery. I am also work on the realization of some photo books.
Where can you see me or my work in 2017?
You can see my work visiting my website and social media.
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?
Photography is a way to see the world, the environment in which I live and people around me. I have been passionate by photography for about twenty years. It’s something that never goes away from me. All what I see are still images! The details revealed by the light, are a feeling that is very difficult to explain in words.
Which creative heroes should Peter invite to tell their story?
My friend Michel Gauthier who is an excellent photographer and painter. He is a person who inspires me a lot!
How can you contact me?
http://www.fredericdeschenes.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FredericDeschenesPhotographie
https://www.instagram.com/frederic_deschenes/
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The Hero's Journey 