An Appreciation, by Dr. Michael Bird, Renison College, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.

About Marc's Work

     It is commonly said that the camera can never lie. What is nor fully recognized is that the camera in the hands of the artist can disclose more than superficial truth. Truthfulness is only the beginning of perception, as law is only the lowest level of acceptable behaviour. What Marc Bauer-Maison's photographs reveal is truth of a richer kind. It is the irony of the reflection that it occurs at the surface but its significance lies in the depths, that is, in the innermost substance of that to which it alludes. If the viewer is driven to the involuntary remark, "I have never seen a lake or river or water quite in that way before," the artistic achievement is profound. In such surprised reactions is implied the discovery that the world is more than it seems.

     In these photographs, reflections on water surfaces are compelling in their diversity; they offer to us a sense of endlessly varying texture, of patterns rippled and moving, of flatness and chiarascuro, of subtle greys and incandescent colours, of summary warmth or wintry frozenness, of what lies below and what dwells overhead, of restlessness and tranquillity, of energy coiled or released. In all of these and other experiences, the reflection invites reflection, so that the initial encounter with surface impression leads to the fulfilling meditation upon depths of meaning. The visual expression is in the present case an embodiment of the. meditative outlook of an artist who sees the world as a place of perennial discovery.

     Marc's long and rich experience in conducting seminars, retreats and workshops is itself testimony to his desire to observation of the particular and speculation upon the mystery of the universal and transcendent. His involvement in projects at the world-renowned Taizé community as well as the Father David Bauer Quest Programme and in gatherings at the Basilwood Retreat Centre demonstrates his embracing and inclusive view of the beautiful, the good and the true. His painting and photographic undertakings are closely related to his ongoing work in designing parks, gardens, domestic and public landscaping projects in both France and Canada.  These magnificent photographs of Ontario waters are no mere record; rather, they are an evocation.