Queerying: Pavel Petel

I’ve got a treat for you, QueerClickers. To be totally honest, I’m never sure exactly what to say about Pavel Petel, other than that I’ve been fascinated with him and his work since I first laid eyes on it. He’s awesome, outrageous, and always sexy as hell. Fortunately, the artist/performer took some time to sit down with me, so I have the luxury of letting Pavel talk for himself!

If you’re just discovering him, take a minute to click over to his tumblr and see what all the fuss is about. Because this stud and his work are definitely worth fussing about. I mean, seriously, check out those biceps. And that ass! Strap yourselves in for a wild ride.

QueerClick Hi Pavel! Thanks for taking the time to sit down with us. We’ve been quite taken with you since we first discovered your work. What got you started on your career path? Who inspired you along the way and where do you draw your inspiration from? Has Lady Gaga been in touch yet? 😉

Pavel Petel Aha, when I started wearing high heels, men swimsuits, and surprised the clubbers, everybody thought that I was crazy. Of course, it all started long before Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj became famous, and that’s why my performances caused astonishment and lot of misunderstanding. I surrounded myself with brave and funny people who would organize cool parties with me and just be happy.

I was always inspired by subcultures: clubbers, gays, fashion freaks, athletes. When I first came to the stage I was wearing a mankini (a kind of underwear with shoulder straps). I always thought that sportswear is the sexiest! Environment is my inspiration. Don’t forget that I’m a man, and I can’t wear what Nicki Minaj or Madonna does, but sometimes I try on clothes similar to theirs lol.

Lady Gaga never tried to get ahold of me, but I’ve been to her show that I can’t even remember really … because I was thinking and fantasizing about my new tour. The amazing atmosphere of Gaga’s show was really encouraging. Honestly, I don’t even know why we should meet … neither she nor I can offer anything to each other at the moment.

QueerClick Based on your career and your performances, it looks like you’re a very visually oriented person. Are there any visual artists, whether painters, photographers, or designers that have influenced your style?

Pavel Petel Of course, there are some. I absorb everything that I see. In my head there are lots of visual pieces from movies or art captured that I have seen throughout my life starting with the early childhood. These include vintage movies and comic books like Tom of Finland, Thierry Mugler, and also Michael Jackson’s costumes, etc.

QueerClick What has been the highest point in your career, so far?

Pavel Petel For me, it’s an episode from the most popular TV show in Ukraine, which is, by the way, my homeland, that was fully dedicated to my persona. I am really happy because of the fact that people know me back home, because I am currently more popular in Russia!

QueerClick What can we expect from you in 2013? Any major projects in the works?

Pavel Petel I am now concentrating on video projects, and those include various TV shows, YouTube videos, etc. I am dreaming of writing a single as an artist. I want to sing my own songs at my shows. I’ve also launched a fitness project, where I’ve taken up a role of an online fitness consultant. Unfortunately, this project is only available for the Russian audience now.

QueerClick How would you like to continue your career? What would be the main goal that you’d like to reach by promoting your art?

Pavel Petel My big dream is to create something new, like pop art. In order to do that, I am now expanding my worldview and moving towards my goal. I am also dreaming of launching my clothing line and hosting a TV show, as well as writing a book about my dreams and making a movie.

QueerClick What gets you off or what do you find hot? Any favorite porn or porn stars? Do you have any fetishes our readers should know about?

Pavel Petel The first and the last time I’ve watched porn happened when I was in high school. Sometimes I sometimes watch snippets, when my friends are trying to show me something, but that doesn’t get me off.

Sexuality in real life is way more attractive for me – I’m a crazy dreamer and I’m trying to make all my fantasies come true in my life and on the stage, although I am inspired by funny porn films and gifs on tumblr – just like all the modern people, I can’t concentrate on something particular for more than 5 seconds. I need more visual food! My tumblr dashboard fascinates me.

QueerClick Obviously you have no qualms about being naked. Would you ever consider doing mainstream porn?

Pavel Petel Porn doesn’t provide you with any money. Why would I need that?

QueerClick I know in another interview, you mentioned that you like to keep a distance from your fans, but what’s the coolest thing that’s happened to you as a result of your fame? Have you gotten to meet any celebrities?

Pavel Petel I keep being surprised by the level of recognition I receive. I am not used to it. But apparently, I am known all over the globe. I have met many celebrities and I’m currently communicating with lots of them as well, but only online. I rarely go abroad.

QueerClick What’s next for Pavel Petel?

Pavel Petel What was there before? Not many people know that I was a successful graphic designer; I worked as a journalist; my weight was 135kg; I’ve built a casino. What’s next? Something tremendous, I’m telling you!

QueerClick Our readers would love to know if you’re seeing anyone. For that matter, what do you generally look for in a guy? Does a potential partner have to be as outrageous as you are?

Pavel Petel God forbid, no! My partner has to be as kind as my father, as beautiful as my mother, and have the same sense of humor as me. I love skinny, slim, clean, cute, shy, and funny people that smell nice. Like “Un Bois Vanille” by Serge Lutens.

Thanks so much for sitting down with us, Pavel! Can’t wait to see what comes next for you.