What is the best thing I love about my work? It’s incredibly empowering to have a vision, something you’ve not seen before, or know exactly how to execute just yet, but through trial and error, can figure out, eventually perfect, then evolve. “Mistakes” can lead to new and exciting directions as well. There are decisions to make along the way, each potentially taking you somewhere you didn’t see coming. It can be exhilarating to see a new project come together.

What is my idea of happiness? What I would wish for my loved ones and myself is what I want for all people – peace, a safe and clean environment in which to thrive, good health, time for continuous learning and to follow our passions, enjoyment of beloved friends and family, good food, great music and inspiring surroundings.

What is my greatest fear? I try to focus on what I want and where I am going, rather than what I fear, but honestly, I’m most afraid of the unpleasant things in life we have no control over.

What is my trait that I most deplore in myself? Sometimes, I give people the benefit of the doubt for far too long after it’s no longer warranted. I really want to see the best in others, but I think I have finally learned my lesson these past couple years with a new home build that became incredibly challenging, and temporarily drew me away from where my focus should have been all along– on my work. The idea is to discern right from the start, take the red flags seriously, and not to let timewasters into your life at all.

Which living persons in my profession do I admire the most? The first person that comes to mind is a Canadian artist I met back in 2015, when we exhibited together at the Gardiner Museum in Toronto. Jenn E Norton uses time-based media to create immersive, experiential installations that are incredibly innovative and mesmerizing. I think she’s a genius, and a really nice person too. Another Canadian talent I really admire is Julia Dault. Best known for her abstract paintings and Formica and Plexiglas sculptures, her work has been exhibited in museums and galleries worldwide. She also resembles her mother who was a beloved art teacher at my high school back in the day, and who I equally admired back then. So great to see her daughter soar!

What is my greatest extravagance? After living my entire life in Toronto, Canada, I recently built a new home in the country, in a small community close to the city. With Lake Ontario a stone’s throw away, I can hear the waves crashing on a breezy day, watch the sun sparkle like diamonds on the rippled surface from my backyard, while bunnies, birds and butterflies flutter around me. As much as I have always loved Toronto, in recent years the rising cost of living, crippling congestion and constant construction noise has become difficult to bear. It has been an easier transition than I could have imagined because of this, and I love it here.

On what occasion would I lie? I sometimes lie to myself when the truth is too painful to accept.

What is the thing I dislike most in my work? In the 22+ years of my practice, I can look back, and still really love many of my earlier pieces. But there have been some that I see years later with fresh eyes, and all I can notice are the flaws. I can’t understand how at the time of making the pieces, I missed it. I can only assume my judgement was temporarily off during moments of higher-than-normal stress. Considering unhealthy stress takes you out of “the flow” and can affect the caliber of
your efforts, not to mention your health, I make every effort to minimize it when possible.

When and where was I the happiest in my work? During the Pandemic lockdowns here in Canada, galleries were temporarily closed. I took the opportunity to experiment with new materials and techniques, to learn new technologies. For the first time in a long while, I could explore freely, without the pressure to produce finished works in a timely manner. Some of these experiments were complete flops, but these proved to be “bridge ideas” that paved the way for the next experiment, and it was so much fun to explore that way, almost like starting fresh again. By the
time galleries reopened their doors, I had evolved the work sufficiently to be confident to present what I had done. Our local Covid restrictions were difficult to live through, but I found a way to turn a negative to my advantage.

If I could, what would I change about myself? As I look back over the years, I have at times been overly self-critical after errs in judgment. You can learn from mistakes, we all make them, but it’s just not productive to beat up on yourself. Also, I wish my frizzy hair was more controllable, it’s been hard to manage all my life. I still don’t know what to do about it.

What is my greatest achievement in my work? Quite possibly, it’s my ability to persevere, even through all the inherent challenges. I’m not one to give up or let someone else dictate to me what my value is or isn’t. We all have something of value to contribute to this world. Any individual opinion about that, says more about the person giving it, than it does about the one it’s directed at in most instances. Trends change, tastes change, the artworld is fickle, yet some things are timeless, and only time will tell what stands the test of time!

Where would I most like to live? Over the years I have dreamt of living in Paris or New York, Miami, London or Berlin. But at this very moment, I am satisfied with where I’m at, and it’s been okay taking a break from the crowds of a big city and tuning into nature. Let’s see how my first winter in the country goes..I may be craving big city life again soon enough.

What is my most treasured possession? I like nice things as much as anyone, but I try not to put too much value on “stuff”. Essentially, things are replaceable, but it’s our closest loved ones that are not. After the untimely passing of my parents when I was young, it became clear to me what’s most valuable in life, and I can assure you, it’s not my stuff.

What is my most marked characteristic? At the risk of sounding Pollyanna, I do my best to find the good in every situation, even when things look grim at first. For example, when the construction of my new home went sideways, and my general contractor abandoned the build, I learned to do interior finishes to take care of what I could myself. I had to manage all other licensed trades to finish everything I could not manage on my own. I then navigated and engaged with the local planning department to keep work flowing at a steady pace and see the project through to completion within the budget remaining. It was like a masterclass in keeping it together. There’s a lot to be grateful for, I learned so much and I feel that much more resilient for the experience. I keep a smile on my face, no matter what is going on. I always have, and always will look for the silver lining where possible.

What is the most inspirational location in my city? Although I am new here, and have yet to explore everything, I’d say it’s the local shoreline that I enjoy most.

What is my favorite place to eat and drink in my city? It’s definitely next door when my neighbours fire up their outdoor pizza oven! They make an incredible homemade crust and use premium local farm fresh ingredients for the toppings. It’s the best pizza I’ve ever had! Paired with a nice wine and salad, eating alfresco overlooking the lake with good company, who could ask for anything more?

What books influenced my life and how? I keep “The Prophet” by Kahlil Gibran at my bedside. This collection of transcendent poetic essays has touched me so deeply. To reflect on life in a philosophical and spiritual manner helps to make the painful moments we endure so much more bearable, the beautiful parts of life so much more meaningful. “Motherless Daughters” by Hope Edelman was also incredibly helpful to work through the grief of losing my mom to cancer when I was 10 and understanding my life journey without her. “The Power of Intention” by Wayne Dyer” helped me get through a difficult period following the end of my marriage, it got me thinking about how I may help myself reinvent my life at this stage.

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen to on my last day? I’m fond of many genres and eras of music, but I think I would want to listen to the music that would take me back in time to my earliest childhood memories, when everyone I loved was still here. This timeless music was also enjoyed often, decades later with my 2 sons. It would be Beatles, Beach Boys, Gordon Lightfoot, and all the Motown greats including Etta James, Aretha Franklin, and Dianna Ross would be at the top of my list for sure.

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? Dorothy from the Wizard of OZ. She didn’t let those “flying monkeys” stop her from taking care of business.

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? They are the regular everyday people who work hard for the benefit of others, and I am privileged to have a couple of them as my closest loved ones. My cousin Mary has taught at the grade school level for decades. She’s a most dedicated educator, with years of volunteering to take on the special ed kids who are often troubled or violent. She helps new immigrants and refugees adjust to life in Canada, organizes fundraisers and the breakfast program at her school for those who need it. She’s a dynamo! Then there’s my cousin Fanny who worked in health care for decades helping hundreds of people while also dealing with the side effects of Lupus and battling cancer multiple times over the years herself. She’s a real-life superhero and both are beloved by all who know them, including me.

Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime? The 1946 film “It’s a Wonderful Life” starring James Stuart and Donna Reed.

What role play stories in my life and work? I think stories can give us a sense of place and time, and greater understanding of our part in it. Stories can create empathy for others, or they can polarize, so we always have to question where the stories are coming from and what the intention is. When I create sculptures of various silver screen actresses for example, I like to read their bios, and really tune into their energy, and try to capture their essence in my work.

What do the words “You are the storyteller of your own life” mean to me? I think it suggests that you have control over the direction of your life, which begs these questions: are you going to be a to be a side kick in someone else’s story; or are you going to be the protagonist in your own story; or do you prefer to co-star with an equal partner, and build the story together, knowing that at times you may both have to compromise for the benefit of the union? Over the course of a lifetime, many of us play each of these roles.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? I have some good allies and supportive friends and family around me, I’m super blessed that way. But if I had to choose one, I’d say it’s my cousin Lena who has played an older sister type role throughout my life. She’s always been there to consult with, to give me a pep talk when needed. Her support was invaluable decades ago after my mother passed, and our dedication and care for each other continues to this day.

Which people or companies would I like to work with? I’d like to have the opportunity to work with White Cube or Gagosian one day. Ha! Why not aim high I say!

What project am I looking forward to working on? I am looking forward to getting back to continuing with the latest pieces I’ve developed incorporating fluorescent Plexiglass. I’ll have lots to show in the coming months now that I have settled into my new life in the country.

Where can you see me or my work? You can find my work at Galerie de Bellefeuille in Toronto and Montreal, as well as Newzones Gallery in Calgary. I do travel to the city quite regularly and intend to visit Art Toronto Fair at the end of the month, see what’s new and interesting out there.

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? I cannot remember a time in my life when every free moment was not spent making things, and I cannot imagine a time when it won’t be. This is a vocation. Yes, a small minority of artists “Make it” but the vast majority work incredibly long dedicated hours with no guarantee of renumeration at the end of it. It’s our lot in life, we choose this life because without our creative outlet, an important part of us would die.

Which creative professionals should Peter invite to tell their story? Here’s a few local artists of note I’ve met along the way: as mentioned before, Jenn E Norton, and Julia Dault, as well as Shary Boyle, Heidi Spector, T. M Glass

How can you contact me? You can reach out to my galleries for inquiries about
available work, and to contact me directly, email me at info@sophiadefrancesca.com