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Paul Letourneau (1949 - ) For me everything started when my father brought me to Charlevoix in 1961 on a photographic trip. I had never seen something so beautiful. I was only 11 years old then but never forgot the experience. Since that trip I eventually took up photography and travelled the area in every season from -40 degrees to 95 degrees F. I have taken photos of Charlevoix for almost forty years. When we first published our book on the area in 1999, I had written in my introduction that I had covered about all of Charlevoix. This was incorrect. I would say today that I may have covered half the area. Charlevoix represents something unique for me. I keep finding new subjects. If a subject does not work in colour, I opt for B&W. If a subject does not work in photography, I go to my brushes and oil paints. This was Clarence Gagnon’s favourite area. Members of the Group of Seven have painted in Charlevoix. Being a retired airline employee, I travelled to many places in the world but never really found that same light even in Provence or California. Furthermore, the topography of the area is quite unique. The area commands respect. The topography reflects tremendous forces at work that has created all types of shapes and forms. A mega earthquake hit this area in 1663 (7.5 to 8 on the Richter scale). Since then the area has been hit by fifteen major earthquakes. The name of the village Les Éboulements means rock and earth tumbles. When taking certain photos of Charlevoix, the boulders around me weighing dozens of tons remind me of my smallness in a landscape where everything is beauty and force. In fairness to what I said above about the uniqueness of the light of the area, this may be because that in my travels, I was not there at the right time. It does confirm what Ansel Adams once rightly said in my view that he always found it difficult to take excellent pictures when travelling unless he stayed in one particular area for a very long while. He felt that staying on site at Yosemite allowed him to express himself to the fullest. On the technical side, I am a conservative. I continue to take all my photos of Charlevoix on film using my basic Hasselblad reflex cameras with superb Zeiss lenses. This camera has never failed me even when left on its tripod at -40F temperatures and in the snow. I also use a Sinar large format camera with outstanding Schneider lenses. I number my photos of Charlevoix in the thousands and I continue to add to my collection. I am also working on another book on Charlevoix; a deluxe limited signed edition. The enlargements for the exhibition were made on a special archival paper produced in France by CANSON (Infinity). Canson was founded in 1557. As mentioned, the photos on exhibit represent a minute fraction of the photos of Charlevoix I took over the last four decades or so. All the subjects of the photos of this exhibit are a mere reflection of the cycles of light, contrast and shadow as well as forms. The elements are constantly in movement and in relation to each other: the sun, the clouds, the sea, the wind, the moon, the tide, the trees, the colours and the rain and the snow and the seasons. Every photo represents a unique moment with its imprint. My profound wish is that those who share my vision of this unique area will be filled with a sentiment of serenity and peace. I would also like them to reflect that in this world of agitation and complexity there are still areas on this planet for contemplation and internal peace. My concern is that this world is deteriorating because of the inconsiderate actions of mankind even in this area. Please keep these humble thoughts in mind when looking at these photographs. |