What is the best thing that I love about my work?
I love to create stories through my paintings and illustrations. To be able to show my vision of the world in one picture. And also the fact that I am free, I can choose my projects and work whenever and wherever I want.
What is my idea of perfect happiness?
I think that I have reached that state of perfect happiness since a few months now.
Simply because I realized that I am living all my childhood dreams, to live in Paris, to be a painter, have a cat..!
I feel like I am in the good place, in right time and that I finally found my purpose in the world.
What is my greatest fear?
I don’t really have a specific fear in mind..
I don’t want to let the fear of what could happen make nothing happen.
I always follow my intuition and I am a very optimistic person, I know that what may happen I’ll face it.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?
I am not really organized… But I am working on that!
Which living persons in my profession do i most admire?
All passionate artists who never give up. It’s hard to have a solid career in this profession, it’s a daily work.
What is my greatest extravagance?
It must be my look.. Style is a very important matter for me! I can’t dress without glitters or extravagant outfits.
On what occasion would I lie?
When my grandma ask me if I intend to get married one day and have kids.
And when someone ask me if I am a real blond.
Despite all that, i am always trying to tell the truth.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?
The most difficult thing when you’re a freelance generally speaking, is that you have to do everything on your own. You are you own boss and your own accounting officer.. I don’t like all the management and financial matters. It’s a creativity killer.
When and where was I the happiest, in my work?
When it’s late at night, painting in my studio and singing italian variety songs while my cat is seating next to me and judges me. I am so happy to call that work.
And also every time i do an exhibition, I have direct feedback on my work and it’s always nice to show your universe to new persons.
If I could, what would I change about myself?
Nothing. I like the way I am.
What is my greatest achievement in work?
Probably the fact that my style is recognizable.
One of my art teacher said to me once that it was the hardest thing for an artist. To create your own personal style and universe recognisable at first glance. I was so happy the first time a friend said to me about one of my painting ‘It’s a Drogo, I can see it’.
Where would I most like to live?
For now Paris is the perfect place for me. I love this city and all the job opportunities that you can get here. And for a museums lover like me there is no better place!
But i am sure that one day, (when i’ll be an international well-known artist), i’ll move to a smaller seaside city, maybe in Italy.
What is my most treasured possession?
It’s sounds cheesy but my cat, family and friends.
What is my most marked characteristic?
In my paintings; jungle landscape with glowing colors in a naive style.
And for me, I don’t really know, funny optimistic blond girl maybe?
What is my most inspirational location, in my city?
When I need inspiration I have two favorite places for that, the Louvre museum, there is always something new to see and the tropical greenhouse of Jussieu, it feels like you escape the city. I always go there with my sketchbook and draw a few hours. I love those moments, it has a soothing effect on me.
What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city?
La Nouvelle Seine. It’s a canal boat near Notre Dame de Paris with a restaurant and a theater inside. If you’re in Paris go take a look in the theater I’ve done murals in it.
What books influenced my life and how?
« Wuthering Heights » was my mind-blowing book. I love the darkness’s characters and I believe it has somehow influenced the way I paint portraits.
Books on chakra and energy, I’ve started to work on alternative medical therapies and since that I’ve changed a few things in my way of life. I am trying more than ever to take a step back on my work and social networks.
Who are my favorite writers?
Jean Cocteau, biography of Stefan Zweig, Brontë sisters, Jane Austen, Michel Onfray..
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?
The soundtrack « Love Theme » of Ennio Morricone from the movie « Cinema Paradiso ». It’s such a beautiful music!
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?
Well it can seems weird but Indiana Jones, Groucho Marx, Jessa from Girls even if she is self-destructive. That kind of funny and intelligent characters are the best.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?
Female artists like Nikki de St Phalles, Frida Kahlo for their strength to dedicate their entire life to art rather than be what this patriarchy society planned for her.
Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime?
« Cinema Paradiso », Giuseppe Tornatore, It’s my most watched movie, it’s a beautiful love story about cinema and it reminds me my italian roots.
But I have to add two more movies « Beauty and the Beast », Jean Cocteau and « The Fountain », Darren Aronofsky.
What role plays art in my life and work?
Art is such a huge part of my life, without it I’m sure that I’ll be a totally different person. I was created to create.. And also to admire the art of others (theater, music, cinema..) There isn’t a day without art and i am convinced that it’s the same for everybody, art is everywhere you simply can’t live without.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?
For the fan my parents are the first one!
And for the partner in crime my friend Jessie, the owner of La Nouvelle Seine, she advices me for everything, life, work..
Whom would I like to work with in 2018?
I want work more on social engagement projects. And collaborate with other artists.
Which people in my profession would i love to meet in 2018?
I would love to meet artists of my generation such as Heather Day, Ines Longevial, Kris Knight..
What project, in 2018, am I looking forward to work on?
Collaborate with a clothes brand to create patterns.
And do more live paintings. It’s one of the most stressful and amazing art experience I’ve done so far.
Where can you see me or my work in 2018?
I’ve illustrated a feminist travel book about Paris, La Guide de Voyage, that is coming out in a few weeks and every year I exhibit at least twice, so stay tuned!
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?
I’ve heard once, passion is oxygen of the soul. I can’t imagine my life without passion, it would be so bland and meaningless.
Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story?
You can invite all my friends from Les Nanas d’Paname, It’s a community of parisians, creative, free and independent women.
How can you contact me?
On my website, Instagram and Facebook. Feel free to say Hi! It’s always nice to talk with new art loving people!
Instagram / Facebook : @carolinedrogo
Passion Never Retires 