About
our name: Andier
The genesis of our name, Andier, is a crafted combination of the harmonious phonetic sounds ‘and’ and ‘heir.’ The initial sound, drawn from the word ‘and,’ symbolizes connection, akin to the synergies found in pairings like Film and Camera. The latter sound, inspired by ‘heir,’ carries connotations of rightful succession and legacy. The harmonization of these sounds, coupled with thoughtful spelling adjustments, gave rise to the distinctive and inspiring word – Andier.
Upon closer examination, we discovered that Andier is an archaic Old-French term that fell out of common usage centuries ago. Its closest Middle-English counterpart, derived from Old-French, is ‘andiron.’ The original Old-French Andier referred to a metal support used to cradle burning wood in a hearth. This historical connection served as the inspiration for our inaugural tagline: “Out of the camera … and into the fire™.” This tagline encapsulates the essence of our brand, where creativity ignites like a flame, forging new paths and embracing the legacy of innovation.
our motto: Eòlas air an Teallaich
The Scottish-Gaelic phrase ‘Eòlas air an Teallaich‘ (English: ‘Knowledge of the Hearth‘) serves as our motto, symbolizing Andier’s responsibility in preserving the past, forging the future, and sharing both its value and values. The hearth, a traditional focal point within the home, not only provides warmth and light but also serves as a communal space for sharing experiences and knowledge.
This historical connection not only inspired our name but also influenced our choice of motto.
our history
2003-2012: Igniting Passion Through Sports Photography
Andier, born in 2003, embarked on its journey with a commitment to innovation and creative expression. From 2003 to 2012, we proudly showcased and asserted first-use copyright for the remarkable sports photography captured by Kenneth Szeto and Michael Durrant. Our extensive photographic portfolio included captivating images from various Ontario short track speed skating competitions, regional ice hockey games, events, and team photos.
Throughout this period, our archives proudly bore the title and tagline: ‘Andier – Out of the camera and into the fire™.’ This encapsulated our ethos — a commitment to not just capturing moments, but igniting them with a passion that transcends the ordinary.
2012-2020: A Focus on Visual Storytelling
2012 through 2020, Andier’s focus shifted to the photographic works of Michael Durrant, deepening our dedication to visual storytelling and artistic excellence.
2020: A New Chapter
In 2020, Andier reached a significant milestone by becoming federally incorporated. Since then, Andier Inc. and its owners have been carrying forward the rich legacy embodied in our motto. We continue to share its value and values through strategic investments in ideas, products, solutions, and companies. This marks a new chapter in our journey, where the spirit of innovation and creative expression remains at the core of everything we do.