Arrière-pays
Arrière-pays roughly translates to “inland region¨ but literally translates to “back country”.
During the first two years of the pandemic, I was trapped in a city centre apartment. The early Covid soundtrack of ambulance sirens added to the claustrophobia and stress and I lost interest in the idea of photographing strangers in city streets. I began to long for nature, simplicity and open spaces. After the lockdown restrictions, I found myself gravitating to the serene inland region, just beyond the thronging coast, in south eastern France.
I make frequent trips to the small villages and to the forests, olive groves and vineyards in this region. Everything seems slower and less complicated here. I hike in the hills, swim in the rivers and lakes and eat the fruit and vegetables that grow locally.
I slowly gather images of this tranquil location and I enjoy this slow and steady way of working. The photographs are an expression of my affection and gratitude for this soothing, peaceful place.
work in progress
from 2023