Henri THIERRY The photographer
The purpose of this website is to allow the viewer an understanding of my own path for the discovery of RUST.
Born in Chelles (Seine et Marne; France) April 20, 1950.
During my lifetime I received many gifts, as the gift of life from my parents, who taught me so many valuable lessons of life.
The gift of being a parent, to my four children, who exposed me to their unlimited love and imaginations, which made parenting such a beautiful experience.
The gift of viewing renown French artist Jean Le Merdy’ paintings, which instilled in me the emotions and sensitivity, towards “rust.”Like Jean Le Merdy, I am an observant viewer of the effects that rust induces. For us, observation induces respect. In this way, it becomes obvious to see things that others consider as ordinary and common, or simply do not notice at all.
Rust that transforms………..
Rust that distorts……
Rust and its numerous red effects……..
Rust and its thousands flaming colours………..
In my own philosophy, I prefer to keep the door of my heart open…. to imagine that this door has no bolts…… but that it remains ajar, moved by the currents of emotions.
1996: Family visit to The "Musée de la Marine Nationale” in Paris:
"impact" of rust and "meeting" with Jean Le Merdy ………
In 1996, I let emotions reach my heart, while visiting the "Musée de la Marine Nationale" in Paris with my children, I had the opportunity to observe Jean Le Merdy’ masterpieces. I confess, on that day I spent more time discovering Jean Le Merdy’ paintings, than visiting the museum.
As I looked at Jean Le Merdy’ paintings, I observed in me a process of transformation. It moved me deeply, as I received on that day a gift that I preciously kept:
RUST….infinitely developed shades and colours!
During the following years, I followed this new passion for finding rust objects in and around, the Champagne region of France.
One day early in the year 1999, being in the company of my two sons,
Jean-Philippe, Charles-Antoine, near the " Place de La République" in Epernay, I was led by an emotion that was asking to be expressed. I brought my camera and, just as Jean uses his hands and his fingers to paint, my right index finger started moving.
As a tribute to the town I live in, Epernay, I took my first photo on this magnificent "Place de La République".
At once, I understood rust doesn't only produce colour. The gate I photographed on that day showed me the distortion and the transformation process, of the support caused by the invasion of rust.
“I don’t have any paint brushes…I’ve never learned how to draw, or paint, but I really want to experience this sensitivity towards rust that's growing inside my heart……. And for me, the only possible way to express it, is to photograph it".
I reached an infinitesimal part of the loop!
This website is nothing else but a tribute to Jean Le Merdy.
"I say "You” to all the ones I love".
I did not write this beautiful sentence.But I've decided to incorporate this sentence for my own purpose in life.
So, thank you, Jean Le Merdy, for this sensitivity to rust you gave me. It's a real gift. No doubt, I will keep this gift for a long time!
Allow me to suggest a journey for you, in which the main idea is RUST.
Perhaps you will discover the same, as I have discovered it.
A “road” of appreciation and understanding something, that was unseen before.
I wish for you, that you would see it with the same open eyes, as I have… Enjoy !
Henri THIERRY
December 19, 2000.