Toto …we are not in Kansas anymore…
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A stranger in a strange land.

We’ve entered another dimension—where gentle giants walk among everyday people.
Where strange phenomena seems to appear ever so evanescently,where alien habitation is documented in architectural adobes or outside your window.
You can never be too sure just where---yet somehow he is able to create the surreal images that might convince the non sci-fi skeptic.
I bring you our second installment in Artist of the 21th century: Vincent Teulière.
Known on dA as *TotoRino

I happened upon his work first at [link] and was content to see I could follow his work here on dA.

Loosely, I would describe his work as Surreal with a down to earth approachability.
In viewing his work, you have the impression of a brilliantly creative mind at work.
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My first impression of his work had me believe that his intentions were mostly in the direction of sci-fi.
In fact—I have had to readjust my perception of his aim…by coming to understand the incentive behind the creator.
For this reason, I am glad to conduct an interview with Vincent, to appreciate his work, for the why behind the wonderment.

My first question had to do with whether or not he actually was a fan of sci-fi.
His reply was:
“I used to be. Nevertheless, I don’t read it anymore. To tell you the truth, I don’t think I’ve read everything that Philip K.Dick created. Yes…there was a time—it certainly requires some reminiscence.”


SLP:
One thing fascinating about your work is the locations you use to shoot ---how do you find them?



Vincent:
I have always found the photographs of industrial wastelands—very fascinating. One day I said to myself—quite literally-What prevents me from taking images such as these as well.
So in September 2006 I began my project.
I left to explore the international Station of Canfranc, which is at the foot of the Pyrenees Spanish side.
You can find the history of this station here:

[link]

It was my first experiment with this subject.
This project brought back some more or less successful images, which are still on my account at dA:




Since I live in Toulouse (SW France) there is naturally a connection to these locations. This region of France is furnished with small industrial towns whose industrial complexes fell in disuse at the end of last century. You can find textile industries, plants for the treatment of leather, coal mines and even gold.
There is much to explore. For example; the more or less devastated agglomerations of my area: Graulhet, Mazamet, La Salsigne, Blayes-les-mines, Villemur on Tarn, Lavelanet.
To find these places, all one has to do is use a search engine, there are also specialized forums.
I thus met friends, photographers partisan, who share the same attraction of these places. We explore sometimes together, exchange information, in short---I have found an horizon that does not cease growing.


SLP:
I cannot help but wonder how many no trespassing signs have you actual trespassed?

Vincent:
(He thus writes this with a lol)
To tell the truth, each time. These places are dangerous.
The structures worm-eaten, rusted… it is very easy to pass through a ceiling, debris is often tumbling on your head, and there is always the possibility of something far worse.
The municipalities are obliged to cover itself and prohibit entrance, at least to affix a panel of prohibition.
Once, on an abandoned house, it had marked “bobby trapped house, do not enter.”
... this time I did not return.

SLP:
Well I am glad you discern your limits are. Perhaps we’d not be able to have this discussion if you weren’t more prudent.

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SLP
How long does it take to get the effects in these images---do you know beforehand what you are looking for?


At the time of the first exploration, it is always a total improvisation. Nevertheless, there is always a discussion thread.
Sometimes I will return to a particular place to realize a composition that I have imagined.
A lot of forethought is necessary to plan.
In able to capture the best lighting --we cannot leave it up to chance.
Hopefully we are fortunate to be able to have the same lighting as was seen the first time.



SLP:
Are your photo sessions more fun explorations or serious staged set-ups?


Vincent:
These places host a sort vacuum that sucks out a sense of life.
That silence can be a little oppressive.
I feel the need to fill the space---
With the line of thought to repopulate these places –the lives that lived during its era---their history--- I will include life to suggest the lives lived before.


The use of models in my photography has always come naturally for me.
In the beginning, I made only self-portraits and gradually I started to take my exploring friends, to put them in scenes. I have a fine rapport and succeed or thrive, particularly well with Alexandre ([link]). He is photographer and has a great talent, he makes it so easy for me to arrange or pose him in a scene. This affords me a true presence to capture by sight.







SLP:
Do you use natural resources for the lighting?

Vincent:
I always use natural light,
I use simply a tripod and a retarder; the effects of movement are due to long pause.
I like to play with the reflections, the backlight, symmetries, the matters and textures… The photographic technique is rather basic

SLP:
Are you sure of yourself and your work?

I tend to work hard when it comes to my images. I do not take it lightly, nor view it as a snapshot anything goes production. I take it serious--I am not easy on myself and strive hard to actualize an image.
Many of the shoots I take remain on my hard drive.
I find the conditions of lighting are always very difficult.



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SLP:
How long have you been into photography?


Vincent:
Never and Always.
Always in the sense that as a youngest I’d always have a camera with me to take pictures of my friends and family.
Never in the way where this will be always for me (a means to kill time)
I don’t believe in late revelations, well---at least not in my case.

SLP:
Since most creative minds cannot stand still — what projects would you like to explore in the future?

Vincent:
I’d like to go far far away for several months or a year,
—without any project in mind. Just me and my camera and I’ll let the projects come as they will.
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SLP:
The element of surprise by inspiration is always a guarantee.

Thank you Vincent, for sharing some of your time and allowing us a brief glance into the genius behind your photos.

Some day perhaps future generations will come across your portfolio and continue the cycle of appreciating the lives that lived in history.
We look forward to seeing more of your work.

Now -- from his latest series: The Landlord.




footnote:
Please keep in mind this is a translation of the original expression from Vincent , in French. The language varients do not always translate accordingly...and a certain element/intention of the natural voice may get lost in translation.