Coastal reflections

'Coastal reflections' is an photographic beachcombing project at the north, west and south coast of Bretagne in France. A codification of the sense of 'otherness'; the flux, spheres, textures, colours and forms of the coastline teemed with life and beauty. The photos show intimate landscapes in combination with all kinds of 'object trouvé'; found objects of natural origin and trash of mankind washed ashore by the flood.

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Floral

While studying ecology, I started photographing plants to learn how to identify native species and the conditions of their living environment. This has given me a greater eye for the sense of place. With 'Floral' I zoom in on the unique form, structure and delicacy of plants and flowers in different stages of bloom, fresh and dried, from the Ty-Vert (the Green hous, our home) edible and naturalistic gardens.

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House of Worship

On the French peninsula of Brittany the influence of paganism and Catholicism is unmistakable. The sea, always close, embodies the Breton spirit. The rolling countryside is marked with memorials and spiers of chapels, churches, cathedrals and basilicas. The religious buildings are very different in nature. From noble simplicity to an abundance of splendor. The sacred paintings, statues of saints and relics, surrounded by mysteries and miracles, mediate between earth and heaven. The vow gifts, and flower arrangements are expressions of gratitude for the sources of existence and a safe and blessed life. The series 'House of Worship' provides an insight into the sacred spaces signed with punctuation marks from different times; light and dark.

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Quarry

'Quarry' is about an quarry in the heart of Cotes-d'Armor that is still being exploited. Quarrying is a symbol for our excessive exploitation of natural resources from the earth. The landscape is blown up and shattered with huge machines. However, both the huge installations and the created ‘wounds’ are undeniably fascinating to see. During the extractive operations quarrying can cause significant negative impacts on geo- and biodiversity. Abandoned quarries on the other hand can enhance biodiversity afterwards by acting as refuges for many plant and animal communities.

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Jeannette

October 2020, we stood in front of our new Breton house. 'Jeannette', the neighbour across the street, came right over to us. It clicked right away. We share a passion for nature, the sea and coast, harvesting from our own garden and in the wild, cooking and good food. Family and friends are everything to Jeannette. As she so beautifully put it herself, "Sharing and passing on life is the most beautiful thing there is, it is the core of my existence."

Unfortunately, for Jeannette too, the years count and are accompanied by ailments and pains. Her house, which she shared with her beloved husband and where their son grew up, has become too big and laborious. She is moving to a completely renovated character village house, all ground floor and fully equipped. Not far from us, but we will certainly miss the daily contact and her infectious smile. As a tribute to Jeannette, we have created an small booklet. The paper edition is sold out. The digital version (PDF) of the cahier Jeannette is available in my bookshop.

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Collectionneur

Wandering around I passed a striking building with a large shop window full of curiosities, and opposite a workshop. Both buildings appear to belong to Damien G. He lives in the centuries-old family house full of relics, supplemented with special vintage items he collected over the years. The collection is eclectic and a bit eccentric. The recorded family story and photo essay are bundled in: 'Damien collectionneur'. The paper edition of the cahier is sold out, the digital version (PDF) is available in my bookshop.