As part of its collaboration with Adobe Stock, Fubiz brings together two new artists, who collaborated on one of the creative trends selected by Adobe: Brand Stand, or how influential brands and influencers can influence awareness. ecology. Photographer Patrick Masse, Adobe Stock contributor and underwater photographer, offered illustrator Andrea Minini the perfect support for imagining Moiré illustrations. This technique is characterized by the interleaving of lines to form very hypnotic optical effects.

Through these duo creations, the two talents reveal the urgency to act for the protection of these endangered species: turtles, manatees and humpback whales. Andrea Minini thus imagined to represent under the prism of his line, the little ones of the animals present on the photograph of Patrick Masse. In a minimalist rendering, the result challenges.

In a cross interview, they reveal behind the scenes of their creations and their point of view on the ecological urgency and on the implication of the actors to remedy it.

 

Fubiz : Can you introduce yourself in a few words and tell us more about your creative world?

Patrick Masse : I am a photographer and cameraman passionate about large underwater species such as sharks and marine mammals. In my opinion, the two shooting techniques are complementary. The video brings a precise testimony on the behavior of the species whereas the photo brings the precision and the detail. Both techniques allow the photographer to add his personal touch of creativity despite the inherent requirements of each discipline.

Andrea Minini : I’m italian Illustrator based in Novara. I create vector illustration, using lines and lines pattern and, from time to time, the moiré effect.

Patrick, what leads you to take an interest in underwater photography?

Born at the edge of the Mediterranean Sea, I was initiated very early to the spearfishing, an activity that I practiced until I exchange my harpoon rifle for a waterproof camera. From then on, I realized that the sport remained the same but the impact on nature was much less. A beautiful specimen can be photographed several times! This new passion has led me to plunge into the five oceans, although I have a strong predilection for the Pacific and the Caribbean where I made many trips to meet the 5 great predatory sharks and several species of whales.

Andrea, much of your work is devoted to highlighting endangered animal species. How did you get the idea of this subject?

My illustrations, mixed with a photo, quite look like ethereal, immaterial. The photo, on the other hand, represent reality as it is. This creates a strong contrast, which is full of meanings.
More, this is a good way to represent a “risk”, the actual risk that we – all of us – are facing now.
Since we are talking about oceans, I wanted to pick the most weak victims of pollution and climate change: endangered species. I chose whales, lamantino and turtles, but there are many others. The message, in short, is: don’t let them disappear. Because what we can see now (the photo), is not granted for future generations (the illustration)

Can you tell us more about your creative process?

P.M : The underwater image is a very demanding sport. It presupposes, as a prerequisite, the perfect control of the dive and the numerous physical constraints and fatigue caused by repetitive dives. The other aspect of underwater photography, like terrestrial animal photography for that matter, is that the species you are looking for is not always at the rendezvous. Oceans have no borders, and animals are free to move wherever they want. I’ve been to the other side of the world to photograph a species and come back without a single shot. The animal photographer must know how to show a lot of humility and patience.
On the technical side, the photographer must know how to compose with a weak light, an almost total absence of natural colors and reduced visibilities which prevent the use of telephoto lenses. From then on, he has no choice but to get as close as possible to the species he wants to photograph. A good shark photo must be taken within three or four meters of the animal, sometimes much closer.

A.M : It’s just a matter of synthesis. Everybody knows mies van der rohe’s motto “less is more”. I do my best to follow this simple rule when I design. When a detail, or a curve, or a line is not necessary, just remove it.  My goal s to get the essence of a subject, whether it’s an animal, an architecture, or anything.

Your creations testify today to the urgent need to protect this ecosystem. Do you think that awareness is important enough and that brands and companies have grasped the urgency of the situation?

P.M : During my many travels around the world, I gradually became aware of the wonders that the oceans harbor, their fragility and the pressure that human activities put on them: overfishing, chemical pollution, macro waste, plastics … the list is long.
I thought that underwater photography could not remain just a passion. To make my contribution, I regularly give lectures on the theme of conservation.
My work helps me to illustrate these conferences, to make them more playful, to popularize a world that few have the chance to glimpse and to demystify some popular beliefs well anchored in the collective imagination.
One of my big fights is to fight against the shark fin trade, which has grown over the last 40 years and has reduced the population of some species by over 90%.
I have also produced reports on this theme, awarded at major international festivals: Requiem for a giant and The Rock of Lust
Consciousness awakens little by little, especially among younger generations who realize that their heritage is directly threatened.
Whether under the pressure of public opinion or thanks to the awareness of their leaders, companies are taking more and more measures for the planet and it is a very good thing.
However, we must remain clear and know that in this area, everything or almost remains to be done.
I recently founded a start-up in digital advertising, “One Planet Only” in which we collegially decided to use no paper or plastic.

A.M : I’m not sure, but I do think so. I’m optimistic about it. I have two children, i must be optimistic. But, since brands and companies are very important in taking these decisions, governments are crucial. The leaders of the world must lead the way.

Adobe has selected this theme among the creative trends of the year 2019. In what ways do you think that art and creatives can raise awareness and participate in the sharing of this problem?

P.M : Photography touches the general public. It brings an essential testimony to the awareness of the greatest number. The naturalist photographer can no longer be a mere spectator. He must use his art and talents to witness the beauty, fragility and threats to our ecosystems, both marine and terrestrial.

A.M : Art has always been used to carry messages and to create awareness. So, yes, it’s crucial. And I’m happy that this theme is a creative trend for 2019.

If you had to summarize your work in one sentence, what would it be?

P.M : I am a naturalist photographer committed to the planet!
A.M : The simpler it is, the better.

In the coming days, we will propose on Facebook to select your five favorite images from the Adobe Stock collection, on the theme of ecology and the protection of fauna and flora.