the essential
She, like others, has a little something extra that she didn’t ask for in her life. Diane Boutet proclaims her difference while remaining true like the heroes of Artus’ film. In “A little thing more”, Diane could have been the sparkling Marie. This photographer from Lot fell in love with this natural actress. Quite simply because she looks like him. His spontaneity, in our interview, can only touch sensitive souls and others. Because Diane is as touching as she is sincere.
Photographer Diane Boutet, a little intimidated, weighs each of her words to respond to this interview. She applies herself in order to be fair and faithful to her values. His little extra thing is also this: knowing how to open his heart where his passion for photography and his family beats.
“It’s a very beautiful film, it does a lot of good”
What is your little extra thing that helps you move forward in life?
It was first of all the will, thanks to my father who opened my eyes to what I could be capable of doing despite my pathology, Down syndrome. When he saw that I was passionate about photography he told me to go further in this field and that it would help me. He taught me framing.
My father also explained to me that my handicap could not prevent me from evolving in photography. I was admitted to the photography section of the Jeanne-d’Arc high school in Cahors. I was able to improve myself. My sister Christiane was important too. She allowed me to join a photo club.
The film has just surpassed the 6 million admissions mark. How do you explain this phenomenal success and what does this creation of Artus teach you about yourself?
It’s a very beautiful film, it does a lot of good. There are people who have the same pathology as me and who are happy. They do lots of things even though they are disabled. I’m happy to see that, because I too have a disability which doesn’t stop me from being happy. I’m very active.
Enthusiastic, determined and sensitive
“A little extra thing” shows the spontaneity and carefreeness of disabled people. What other qualities of yours do you recognize in each of the very endearing characters in the film?
My sisters often talk to me about my qualities. They tell me that I am enthusiastic, determined and very sensitive like the characters in the film. I have 5 sisters and a brother. They are also the ones who make me want to walk straight ahead without stopping along the way. I don’t want to give up.
You have qualities, of course, but also faults like everyone else. What are yours?
Sometimes I want to go a little too fast. I don’t take my time. I want my projects to come to fruition quickly. Above all, I would like to progress a little faster in photographic technique. When I don’t let go of an idea I’m told I’m stubborn. Finally, I get a little angry when someone says to me: “Diane, you did something stupid!”.
The strong desire to “please and thank”
The actresses and actors in the film show a happy face. What fills you with happiness on your side in life?
I am very happy when I manage to show my relatives and friends that they were right to encourage me. I don’t want to disappoint them. I like to achieve things for them. Isabelle Marrou, the artistic director of the Cahors Juin Jardins festival, allowed me to hold an exhibition of my photos. It was a great pleasure and a great pride to show my work to visitors.
What is your definition of happiness?
It’s simple. It’s having a passion in life and forever. It’s learning to make progress. It’s about giving pleasure and giving thanks. Besides, I want to add that my mother was a big part of my passion. She told me to never back down.
Photo J.-LG
“I have often been poorly regarded”
And what makes you the most angry?
I get angry when people reject me and don’t want to help me. I have often been poorly regarded. I was not trusted. I also don’t want to be told to do the complete opposite of what I planned. This makes me very angry. And when someone in my family says to me: “Diane, you did something stupid,” I get angry.
If you had a magic wand in your hand, what would you change in your own life and in the world?
Sometimes I wish I could change the direction of my life. I say yes too often and in fact I wish I could know how to say no. I will change that. In the world, the magic wand would be used to stop all wars.
Read also :
The “Cahors Juin Jardin” festival plans to take off in the fall with Diane, landscape photographer
“I won prizes and even a grant to buy equipment”
Your passion for photography offers you a great deal of freedom. You say “I photograph real life.” What does “being real” mean to you?
It’s about being sincere, never cheating. I photograph what I see, without special effects and with little or no retouching. To be real is to live with my passion and be grateful. I think of my mother here. She was right to push me.
And does being different mean knowing how to use your little extra something to then be even more proud of your success?
I am proud because my pathology is not a handicap for taking beautiful photos. I won prizes and even got a grant to buy equipment. I don’t use my handicap, but my desire to always do better.
