What is the best thing that I love about my work?

The thing I love the most is the ability to share my feelings through my artwork. How I combine my illustrations with news and fashion. Resulting in a recent series of drawings that I call: The Vuitton Mission; women in New York protesting against politicians by using their iconic Vuitton bag.

What is my idea of perfect happiness?

My idea of perfect happiness is being surrounded by people who love me. Have them in good health and be happy about being in the work that I am in.

What is my greatest fear?

My greatest fear is to go against my vision of life and give up… To wake up one day and not recognize myself or the path that I have taken.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?

Unfortunately, it’s my lack of confidence. I’m working every day to be more proud of myself and believe that I belong in the art field. It’s apart of our journey to learn how to love ourselves and sometimes it can take more time for other people, such as myself.

Which living persons in my profession do I most admire?

In the last few years, I’ve been inspired by women artists with a sense of humor and derision like the painter Chloe Wise, Ashley Longshore, but also men artists like, Ignasi Monreal or Abdoulaye Konaté.

What is my greatest extravagance?

My greatest extravagance experience is to visit the Dior museum in the city of Granville, France. Dressed with a gigantic new-look skirt with heels, I’m always feeling like Grace Kelly in the movie Rear window.

On what occasion would I lie?

An occasion I’ve lied before was when I would steal from my sister’s closet, but that was a long time ago!

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?

The thing I dislike the most in my artwork is when I rush to finish it. I usually look at my pieces  and feel like I should have been more patient sometimes, to do better, sometimes they come just fine!

When and where was I the happiest, in my work?

I found my way two years ago during my studies, when I had to create a fictive brand for the last year of my degree. I decided to create a universe related to feminism. I read a lot of inspiring books and developed the idea about the hyena, an animal who became the symbol for my fictive brand. Since then, I’ve mostly been inspired by the strength of the female and the power of the hyena.

If I could, what would I change about myself?

I don’t like to live in the past and I think of every decision I make … my bad experiences have created me to be the stronger female that I am now.  I would not change anything.

What is my greatest achievement at work?

My greatest achievement is when I’m able to express my opinion through my artwork. I love receiving great feedback from people who were inspired by it. My last painting was an achievement! I spent hours on it and all I can say is that I am proud of the result.

Where would I most like to live?

I see myself living in Amsterdam. After traveling to many places, I never found a place such as this city. It was so peaceful and I had great inspirations listening to Chopin in the city and walking near the canal. But who know there are so many other places I want to see in America.

What is my most treasured possession?

My most treasured possessions are these rings that I always wear. They will never leave my fingers as they were gifts from my sisters.

What is my most marked characteristic?

My most marked characteristic is that I’m a stubborn aries.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city?

Well, I am a discreet and quiet person, that doesn’t like crowds very much. So in NYC, it can be hard sometimes to find peace and quiet. I would say the place I love to go often here is Pier 17. It offers a great view of East river and the Brooklyn bridge. It’s cobblestone streets and big wooden ships remind me of the Netherlands. . .  I can sit there for hours.

What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city?

My favorite place to eat and drink in NYC is my very own rooftop in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Far from the noise of Manhattan, I can still look at the skyline while I enjoy a great meal with a fresh cold beer.

What books influenced my life and how?

The second sexe by Beauvoir is a book that has influenced my life. I read it for my student fashion collection and it changed my perception towards gender equality. I used to think that men and women grew up with the same education throughout history, but with this book, which is so rich in its documentation, I’ve learned that it wasn’t so true. In reading the two volumes to have a complete understanding, I learned so much!

Who are my favorite writers?  

Some of my favorite writers are: Simone de Beauvoir, Jane austen, Hanna Rosin, and Benoite Groult.

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen to on my last day?

On the last day of my life, I would listen to the opening soundtrack of Pride & prejudice, Dawn. It’s a sad and joyful song, just like life is.

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?

Some of my hero’s are: Elizabeth Bennet, Velma Kelly, Vanda Jourdain …

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?

My heroines in real life are the woman of my family: my mom, and my four sisters; We are a strong female team! Another hero in my life would be Gabrielle Chanel. Though I did not know her, I grew up viewing her in a French biopic on TV as a kid. Since I was 10 years old, I read about her. I drew and imitated some of her designs, as well as, other designers. I found my graphic style and my love for fashion in doing so. My personality has been mostly determined by her I guess. This woman built her career from scratch, created an empire on her own, and there’s nothing more powerful for a young girl at 10 to see.

Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime?

Being in a cinema family, we always went to the store to rent a movie on Sunday’s. . . One afternoon, my older sister brought me to an arthouse of Italian cinema and we saw the movie Cinema Paradiso, a wonderful one.

What role plays art in my life and work?

Art plays the role of my diary in my life and work. It helps me construct a way of thinking and it allows me to relax; liberate all of my thoughts just as a diary does.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, a partner in crime?  

My friend Elodie, that I met during my fashion studies and lived with a few months in Tokyo. Our minds were so well connected when it came to art….

Whom would I like to work within 2019?

I don’t want to plan who I would like to work for… I like living in a surprise element… But if you were to ask me, what would be one of my biggest fantasies? I would respond: to do a cover for the New Yorker one day.

Which people in my profession would I love to meet in 2019?

Hard to say, I’m still brand new in NYC! Inspired by and hopefully inspiring local painters especially in Bushwick where I live, there is one of the best street art in the world.

What project, in 2019, am I looking forward to work on?

I’m going to be continuing work on a big fashion oil painting that I have been doing for 2019.

Where can you see me or my work in 2019?

You can have a look at my art via instagram @hyenandheels or you can to check out my website : https://aimeeganot.wixsite.com/portfolio

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?

For me, those words, like age, do not matter. You can be 50 years old and be more enthusiastic and healthier than someone in their twenties. Passion depends on each person. It should never retire as long as you try to let it be apart of your life… it can’t go away. It will always be there and as an artist, it will never leave.

Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story?

My amazing sister Louise, a colorful illustrator located in Le Havre in France.

How can you contact me?

You can contact me through my email: aimee.ganot@hotmail.com or via Instagram.

I would be happy to chat with you 🙂