Seeking Stillness

by Olivier Du Tre (Photographer)

Olivier Du Tré's first book of photography is a profound and haunting portfolio of subtle, quiet and sometimes even sentimental glimpses of life and landscape through the lens of a remarkable artist. This is the fourth book in RMB's series of original portfolios meant to expose readers to "new eyes" in contemporary photography. The book brings together a collection of black and white photographs chosen from multiple folios completed over seven years. Some images were made during Du Tré's extensive travels – to Newfoundland, the Yukon and Belgium – while the majority were made close to his home in Calgary, Alberta. The images presented here are not so much about place as they are about representing a feeling, a whisper, an impression, perhaps even existence itself. Although most photographers have fully embraced the digital age, Du Tré persists in traditional photographic methods, having used film and a wooden 4×5 large-format camera to produce many of the images in this book. Seeking Stillness explores what happens when the photographer opens himself up to the land that surrounds him, when he lets the wind and clouds roll over him.

192 pages, Hardcover

Published December 7, 2017

Reviews

[Chris LaTray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd never heard of Du Tre before this book somehow caught my attention, but I was drawn by an image that accompanied the book's title so I ordered it. Now that I think about it, I believe I discovered the book via Instagram, oddly enough, as Du Tre has few kind words for social media and its influence on art and artists ... words I tend to agree with.

There isn't much to read here, just a few pages about Du Tre and his thoughts on art and his work. I appreciate where he comes from, particularly as it relates to working with equipment that will never evolve, will never require a software upgrade, etc. I find that in line very much with my own thinking, both as a writer and a photographer, and the notion that I don't ever want to get so wedded to gear needs that I can't be reduced to nothing more than a pad, pencil, and simple camera and still get the work done.

The photos are gorgeous. Dark, dramatic ... they are the visions that come to my mind when I close my eyes and consider the world I want to live in. I will wear this book out looking at it.

[Timothy Neesam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Calgary photographer Olivier Du Tre's collection of black and white landscape images are, as the title suggests, exquisitely quiet. Taken mostly in Canada, and primarily around Calgary, Olivier's images are simple, with an emphasis on the play of light on surroundings. A fairly long introductory essay provides Olivier's thoughts on his artistic development and inspiration, explains why he chooses to photograph using a heavy, bulky large format camera, and offers his insights gained through studying landscapes. The book isn't particularly large in size and the prints are often a bit dark, so you don't really get a sense of detail usually provided by large format prints, but there's a sparseness to the layout that is appealing and works well with the images. Highly recommended to landscape photographers and those who enjoy moody black and white Canadian landscapes.

[Tanner Waldo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The photographs are masterfully done, but words written by the photographer were the real surprise. He eloquently describes his journey from garish digital colour photography and falling down the social media black hole to finding joy in black and white film photography. Every photographer struggling with inspiration or their process should pick up this book and read every word.