The Man Behind the Canvas

André Pierre Bourque (1958–2021) was a prominent figure in Ottawa, Canada, known for his ability to navigate vastly different worlds—from the high-speed tracks of NASCAR to the early frontiers of the internet. He passed away in August 2021 at the age of 62.

Career Highlights

• Bourque Newswatch: He was a pioneer in Canadian digital media, founding Bourque Newswatch. It was one of Canada’s first and most influential online news aggregators, often described as the Canadian version of the Drudge Report. It became a "must-read" for political insiders and journalists.

• NASCAR & Racing: Pierre didn't just watch sports; he lived them. He was a professional driver in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series and the NASCAR Busch East Series . He famously drove the #29 car and was known for being one of the older "rookies" on the circuit, proving his passion for speed knew no age.

• NFTs and Technology: Ever the early adopter, Bourque was deeply involved in the NFT (Non-Fungible Token) space toward the end of his life. He saw the blockchain as a new way to authenticate and distribute art, merging his tech-savviness with his creative output.

• Public Service: He briefly served as an Ottawa City Councillor in the early 1990s, continuing a family legacy of public service (his grandfather was a former mayor of Ottawa).

His Artistic Style

Pierre described his painting as his "Zen" space—the total opposite of the noise and adrenaline of the racetrack.

• Martha’s Vineyard Connection: He was known to spend time on the U.S. East Coast, and his coastal paintings often captured the serene, vibrant energy of places like Martha’s Vineyard.

• The Work: His art frequently utilized bold colors and a mix of traditional techniques with digital tools (he often used his MacBook and iPhone as part of his creative process). He moved from oils and acrylics into "tech-art," which likely fueled his interest in the NFT world.