Mario Cerroni - Photo(ad)diction
“PHOTODICTION is the careful selection of specific elements to include in a picture’s composition, using these to express various themes and views of the world around me.”
This is the definition of the neologism that Mario Cerroni invented for the identity of his photography website.
Judging from the comments posted by visitors to that website, his photographic compositions eloquently express his ability to extract extraordinary beauty and serenity from the world around him. His selective views of both natural and human-made scenes excel at revealing pattern, texture, rhythm and the beauty in the commonplace that is so easily overlooked.
One composition, in particular, convinced me that this photographer does indeed have a special gift for discerning the aesthetic possibilities of a familiar sight. On his website gallery I was drawn to a quietly sober photo in black and white titled “Evening Reflection.” I was mildly chagrined to learn that it was a striking capture of a scene that I have personally witnessed many times without once appreciating its potential as a powerful image.
Discovering and revealing that potential is a key component of Cerroni’s passion for photography. One of his favourite images is a shot of two bare trees in a winter field. He had passed that field hundreds of times, and one day he saw in it the striking composition he captured. “The world around us presents an endless medley of rhythms and patterns. Sometimes I am able to tune into one of them with my camera. When I transform a common scene into a well-executed photo, I like to think that I am revealing the beauty of the commonplace.”
When he was one year old, Mario’s parents immigrated to Canada seeking a better life than the one facing them in war-torn Italy. He studied literature and philosophy, and then completed his Bachelor of Education at York University. He and Maureen, his wife of thirty years, longed for a more family-friendly place to raise their four children, and in 1990 moved to the Ottawa area where Maureen had grown up. They chose their home in Carp primarily because of the spacious backyard and the easy access it provided to Mario’s job as a teacher at Holy Trinity Catholic High School in Kanata. They thoroughly enjoy their connection to this neighbourly and supportive community.
An Early Convert
An early experiment with a simple computer-based math drill convinced Cerroni of the educational potential of computing technology, and he became an early adopter. Since his recent retirement he continues to provide consulting and training services to educators in the Ottawa Catholic School Board, promoting the incorporation of current technology in their curriculum. He particularly values collaborative tools such as WIKIs (think of the collaborative encyclopedia Wikipedia) that facilitate group knowledge.
Once he had the time to devote to it, he decided to rekindle his love of photography. His strong IT background proved invaluable. He quickly became proficient in the technical aspects of digital photography, and began achieving outstanding results. As often happens, it was feedback from admiring friends that convinced him to launch his website and start to exhibit his work. He also enrolled in a framing course, and frames his own works for exhibit. Cerroni recently joined the West Carleton Arts Society and greatly appreciates the generous support and encouragement they have shown him.
Greater Exposure
The lure of the lens is addictive. Maureen now tends to do most of the couple’s driving, since Mario vastly prefers to focus on his search for the element of beauty that inspires his photography. He admires Yousuf Karsh for his use of light, and Ansell Adams for “his brooding skies and wonderful landscapes.” He cites a contemporary, Faisal M. Almalki from Saudi Arabia, as an influence on his architectural and abstract photography. They share an eye for and a love of pattern and texture. The Internet is a constant source of information and inspiration, and Cerroni is an active member on a variety of photo sites. He serves as moderator and works on special projects for Photography Corner.
Asked if the proliferation of inexpensive digital cameras would make it more difficult to find an audience for his fine art photography, his response was immediate and characteristically positive. “I think that more tools available for people to see and experience photography leads to their greater appreciation of what is possible, and to explore photography as a fine art. There is lots of paint out there, and it doesn’t turn everyone into an artist.”
When he talked about his experiences as a teacher, it was abundantly clear that the positive interaction with his students was what motivated and rewarded both them and him. That same love of interactive sharing is what drives him to carry his camera with him everywhere, capturing the elusive beauty of the world around us. “It’s a way to express myself, to share what I see. Anything you approach with authentic love has the power to transform.”
Close-Up at the Red Trillium Tour
Mario Cerroni shares his special ability to transform the commonplace into the extraordinary. Click on his “Galleries” button to enjoy his Landscapes and CityScapes, his Rural Scenes, his Architecture Up Close, and many other gorgeous images of the beauty we are often too preoccupied to notice. For a much more powerful examination of what he captures, take time out of your busy schedule and stop in at Studio 12 of the Red Trillium Studio Tour in West Carleton on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 28 and 29, from 10AM-5PM. Mario will be exhibiting some of his favourite photographs at 175 Charlie’s Lane in Carp, with Rosy Somerville’s paintings and drawings, and Retta Rive’s fibre art. Better yet, download their brochure and treat yourself to the offerings of 36 of the area’s fine artists and artisans. You can reach Mario Cerroni at his home studio in Carp at 121 Robert Lee Drive, by phone at 839-2299, and by email.