Winter

Winter is coming. Best time of the year for some, worst time for others. The light, or lack thereof is always a challenge. Another time of the year for renewal and revival and rebirth.

The In Between.

I have been documenting my dogs life HERE for the past 8 1/2 years with monthly galleries of his experiences and his adventures. It's forced me to seek out things to do with him so the photos aren't lame every month. He has no idea, but he's allowed me to experiment and become a better photographer as a result. Sometimes he gets extra treats for this. I have resisted, on the other hand, trying to document every living second of my 2 yr old daughters life. I still take loads of photos, but the concept of documenting over experiencing moments is something I am constantly aware of. Especially in this day of never-ending image taking devices and platforms to publish images (like this blog) Rather, its sometimes nice to seek out the stuff that we never really think about taking pictures of or remembering..even though they are integral to all our daily experiences. I like to call it the "in between" stuff.

coming attractions

Look out for a new project that will be exhibited later in 2013. Promises to be fun and exciting for all.

disconnect

Some more photos from a continuing project mentioned last month that explores what happens when things in our culture are no longer relevant but that weren't really anticipated to occur as rapidly as they have, or will. Sometimes referred to as the "Ingenuity Gap" where the nature of problems faced by our society are becoming more complex and that our ability to implement solutions is not keeping pace. Its cerebral to be sure, but the byproduct is that it really sucks if you need to make a pay phone call. Further explanation to follow. Stay tuned.

More from across the bridge

Just came back from essentially a one day trip to Detroit for some ongoing photos for a project. Found some new spots and realized some things I've photographed before are no longer there. Either bulldozed or burned down.  It is always an intense experience getting around there.

The Leaves Fall..

Autumn is such a beautiful time. In fact, the time just after the leaves peak in colour is kinda the coolest time because there is the impending cloak of winter that threatens to mute everything. It begins to get  dark early and the light is an inky blue colour that only reveals itself this time of the year..and it starts to feel...still. The trees take on a naked barren feel and coffee and grilled cheese (and soup) become the sought after cure for cold forays out into the landscape. It's a time of the year for reflection, renewal, and nesting for the upcoming winter...it's also when I'm happy I don't live in Los Angeles...or Florida (although I'm always happy I don't live in Florida..no disrespect.

Happa:

Have been doing a variety of portraits lately and sort of just by coincidence have photographed a bunch  of half Asian women for some different projects. That's the awesome thing about being based in Toronto in that its a never ending well of blended cultures and backgrounds. Were lucky.

EXPERTS

Working on a little campaign to help bring awareness to people living with HIV and all the people involved in trying to solve the pandemic. There are lots of "experts" involved in helping people return to their lives in at risk communities, both at home or abroad. In addition lots of others who lend their expertise and time in trying to combat stigma and the idea of what living with HIV is..and isn't. These are some portraits of woman living with HIV in Zomba, Malawi. Stay tuned for more in the coming months.

Missing in action

Working on a new project that has revealed some really fascinating social constructs. How rapidly our surroundings can change and to what extent perceptions of what is crucial and important can be eliminated swiftly and seemingly without our collective notice.

New Duncan

Just posted the latest instalment of the intrepid adventure dog - www.duncanthedog.com 

Check back at Month's end for his Sept experiences.

Venice

A good friend and make-up artist I work with who is awesome (www.elenapacienza.com) just got back from a few months of work and play in Italy. Kinda made me long for sitting around in the piazza and savouring an espresso and just watching life go by. These are a few from Italy a number of years ago.

A little West of Middle

Just got back from a very quick drive to the West Coast...in a van, pulling a motorcycle via trailer. No time for stopping this time..it was drive time..but these are a few "from the car" images of the West part of South Dakota and the Wyoming border area.

RECENT PICTURES OF MOVIE DUDES

HELLO?

Once again, its been way too long since the last posting. Either too much to keep up with or not enough good content..not sure which?

Good news is that things are back in the saddle so to speak, so stay tuned for continued, more frequent and more interesting postings.

I started a (another) project that is shaping up to be pretty cool. I'll reveal more by the end of summer, but for now above is a sneak peek. Enjoy the summer.

archives

Finally about to tackle going through years of archived work, mostly on film for some fine art purposes. It's an interesting process to go back and look at images where the experience is not as fresh. Perspective certainly provides some clarity and images you think are cool are actually crap and other shots you glossed over on first pass actually reveal something after having some time away. Kinda like finding money in a pocket of coat that you haven't worn in awhile.

American Dreams

I've been working on a project for the last..well, 7 years, on a series of portraits of Americans from all across the country. It was just a little thing when it started and then I realized it would have to become an epic, all encompassing thing if it was going to be done properly.

So, after some set backs and life stuff (having a baby) and some other obstacles, 2012 is the big year to revisit and go head on into it. Appropriately it seems that this year will be a big year of transition and reflection in the US. The election and the ingenuity gap that is proliferating is making for an interesting time. Check out the details on things here at www.americandreamsproject.org and if your American and reading this and want to participate, drop a line.

Happy New Year

need we say more?

(it helps having a cute daughter)