Remix chats to viral artist, Gab Bois

Tell us a little bit about how you became Gab Bois, the viral artist?
Growing up in Montreal as an only child, I spent countless hours exploring my parents’ backyard, which still feels like my safe haven. Summer days were all about snail races and making themed “hotels” for stray cats, while winters meant building snow forts with my dad and fall was for hiding in piles of leaves. These playful moments shaped my work today, helping me see the world with a mix of childlike wonder and an adult’s perspective. This process has taught me to approach objects and people with curiosity rather than judgement. Art has given me valuable lessons, like embracing experiences and letting go of control. After more than six years of creative work, I still grapple with creative ruts and balancing the personal and professional sides of my art. Creativity comes in cycles, and sometimes I just have to wait out a lull, staying open-minded.

Image via Gab Bois

Describe a time when you dared to dream...
Back in 2017, I was working part-time as a photo retoucher for an e-commerce fashion brand. Although I was starting to pick up work from various brands, opportunities were sporadic. Early in 2018, the company I worked for went bankrupt, leaving me with a choice: find another job or pursue freelancing full-time. I took the leap into full-time freelancing and haven’t looked back since. What I do now as a career is a dream come true, and I consider it the most fulfilling journey I could’ve ever hoped for.

Explain your conceptual art style in three words...
Playful, sensorial, witty. You expertly turn the ordinary into something surreal, can you tell us a little about how that process works away inside your mind? I have many ideas that grow with me over the years, simmering until they’re ripe and ready. Sometimes, inspiration strikes unexpectedly, like in the morning or just as I’m falling asleep. I also have a structured brainstorming process where I actively push myself to generate new concepts. There’s always a method to the madness, but exploring new ways to think and develop ideas is an ongoing journey.

Who or rather what inspires you?
I’m inspired by the nuances of daily life and everyday objects — the foods we consume, the clothes we wear, holidays, changing seasons, and all kinds of furniture found in every home. Even expressions, ways of phrasing, and puns can spark creativity. And as cliché as it might sound, I can’t overstate how much my loved ones inspire me.

Image via Gab Bois

You’ve collaborated with big guns like Balenciaga & Valentino, is there a brand or individual you dream of working with in the future?
I’ve been blessed to work with many incredible brands and individuals. Looking ahead, my dream is to immerse myself in a comprehensive project that spans multiple disciplines and presents sensory challenges, such as designing a hotel or restaurant. I would love to be able to inject my sense of artistry into every facet of it from start to finish. A project that would blend all my skills, my interests and my passions into one.

The Clementine Heels from your Canapés collection are unreal... and yet they can be purchased as RTW which is wild. Is this the direction of your future work?
Ah, thank you! My work has been evolving in various directions. One exciting aspect is a dedicated product line that transforms simple concepts into ready-to-wear and home decor. However, I don’t like limiting myself to one path. My team and I stay busy with diverse projects ranging from photography and collaborations to design, fashion, consulting, and beyond.

Image via Gab Bois

Those heels are among some of our team’s most loved pieces of yours ― others include the Lasagne Bow, the Scrabble Dress, the Headphone Bikini, the Leek Tennis fit (and sunnies), the Sweet Sweater ― we could go on forever tbh. But what’s been your favourite project of all time?
While each project holds a special place in my heart, I must say I’m particularly proud of Canapés. It’s been a journey where I’ve been able to bring my concepts to life with a focus on quality and functionality. The process challenged me in ways I hadn’t anticipated, pushing the boundaries of what I thought was even achievable.

It seems no material (man-made or natural) is off limits which could be challenging. Have there been many failures in the creative process that haven’t seen the light of day?
I don’t really consider anything a “failure” because each attempt is part of my learning process. Sure, there are images or ideas that don’t quite make it to the finish line for one reason or another. But when I’m really set on making something work, I’ll try different approaches — maybe switch up the materials, try new techniques, or even piece things together in post production. Trial and error is a big part of what I do, and even if a project doesn’t turn out exactly as planned, it always teaches me something valuable.

Image via Gab Bois

Like the Heels, or the Rhubarb Purse for instance, how difficult was it to find the right kind of textiles to emulate such an intricate vegetable?
Both the Clementine Pumps and the Rhubarb Purse are crafted from high-quality PVC lined with Italian leather to achieve a realistic appearance. The process began with scanning and 3D rendering real clementines and rhubarb leaves. Perfecting the texture and design of the pumps took over three years of iterative development, refining both the heel structure and the fruit texture. We were fortunate to collaborate with exceptional design and production partners who played a crucial role in bringing these concepts to life and guiding our decisions on techniques and materials. This collaborative effort significantly streamlined the creation of the Rhubarb Purse, reducing the time and complexity involved in its production.

Speaking of bags, what can always be found in your own handbag?
Some airpods, my phone, basic makeup, SD cards, candy and a laminated picture of my cat. You’ll also probably find samples of whatever I’m working on and a Redbull, sort of like Mary Poppins.