When one of our readers named Tatum — not Channing — told us about Stefan a k a Sn, first thing we found was the video below. And it sure made us want to know more about the 23-year-old Parisian artist.

When did you start drawing?
I’ve always been drawing. There were crayons and sheets of white paper scattered all over my home when I was a kid. I always felt the need to create, represent, imagine — the need to express myself.

Any formal training?
Yes, I studied visual arts for five years. It allowed me to understand all the basics, the rest is a matter of imagination. What’s going on in your head is important, your feelings, your desire, the moment. Just show me something and my imagination goes on overdrive.

We discovered you through your video portraits. What’s their purpose?
It’s not a way to show how I proceed. The canvas is just an excuse. It’s a video project. I do the shooting and the editing all by myself. I want full control over my work, I do everything, A to Z. The video invites you into my world, shows you how I look at my work. And the music is essential, it sets the mood, helps you escape.

Why did you draw portraits of Britney Spears and Angelina Jolie?
I always had a thing for Angelina Jolie. I like confident and provocative women. Her physique is both perfect and atypical. And Britney is more than a retail product — she’s got the extra something that you can’t explain, and that I like.

On MySpace you write that you’re also interested in music, photography and cinema. Any experience with these art forms?
Yes. With photography, I enjoy the power of freezing moments, emotions — my camera is always with me. Music helps me create, and takes me places — I plan to start playing soon, guitar always appealed to me. And cinema, well… That’s my dream. Editing, directing — I plan to take acting lessons too. I love art in general. In real life, I am rather reserved, so I mostly express myself through my creations.

You also have a great physique. Are you a model too, or is it just for fun?
I never wanted to become a model. Other boys can do that really well, and I’d rather be on the other side of the lens. The images you’re showing here were shot by Matthieu Dortomb, a young Parisian photographer, very talented. He was the first one I posed for.

Single?
Yes, it’s recent. But I don’t have much time for all this, even though I’d like to have more.

What are you currently working on?
I’m preparing my next exhibition, Polaroid’s Not Dead. It will open next year. I can’t tell you more. I will also focus more on photography, for a change and another way to show what I have in mind. Then I’ll switch to video only. Moments in life. Feelings enacted on a specific music.

Anything else to tell our readers?
Yes, I want to be more specific about my status as an artist. I consider myself a visual designer, not a performer. My goal is to materialize my ideas and desires. Today I’ve got all the resources that I need to do that. I just need to think right and be smart. My art is an illusion.

Stefan on Facebook
Stefan on MySpace
Matthieu Dortomb
Video portrait of Angelina Jolie