My Ride to Slide filmed by Matthew Hood

Originally from Rockland, a small town near Ottawa, ON, Jean-Nicolas Carriere, the youngest of three brothers was always involved in organized sports during his youth. Jean-Nicolas attended McGill University on athletic bursary, provided by the Donald E. Meehan Intercollegiate Football Award. He was drafted 21st overall to the Toronto Argonauts, of the Canadian Football League, and finished his degree at McGill between CFL seasons, earning a B.A. degree with a double major in Industrial Relations and Sociology. Having only played in two seasons, Jean-Nicolas’ professional career was cut short by a shoulder injury he suffered in the off-season.

Dealing with a loss of identity, and a realization that his elite athletic career might well be over he was ready to throw in the towel. But, the intangible that brought him much athletic success in the past started to burn bright again and Jean-Nicolas found within himself a newfound motivation, and a new goal; to try and compete in the upcoming winter Olympics. After a year of hard work, training, and getting back into shape, Jean-Nicolas tested in an athlete identification camp for bobsled Canada and managed a performance worthy of an invitation to train with the National Canadian Bobsled Team in Calgary, Alberta. He is at the very beginning of his journey, in his quest to compete at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics Games. @IMFlyMTL

Artist of the Month: Matt Hood

Question 1 When did photography become your passion?

Around 2005/2006

Question 2 Who has influenced your photography?

Close friends, teachers, professional photographers

Question 3 Photography reminds me of____?

experimentation, mistakes, trial & error, fun!

Question 4 Where do you see yourself in 5 and 10 years from now?

Working within a field that makes me happy, hopefully that will be a combination of photography & video.

Question 5 What projects are you currently working on?

- A series entitled "Mum & Me" about the relationship between my late mother and myself

- A few projects for Winter 2011 in East Africa (political and wildlife photography)

Question 6 What do you hope people get from attending one your exhibits?

An original perspective (either on the subject at hand or simply within photography itself)

Question 7 What other genres of art would you like to excel at?

Metal work, kinetic sculpture, music.

Question 8 Behind every picture there is _____?

...a nail in the wall

Question 9 If you had to pick 3 things to take with you to a deserted island what they would be?

Serta Beauty-rest Queen sized bed (with pillow top)

Sirius Satellite radio

A bridge to an undeserted island

Question  10 What is your definition of FLY?

Refusing to let current trend or vogue cloud ones judgement

Official Matt Hood website : Hoodvisuals.com