Credit Valley

Okay, so I know this blog is Toronto based, but every now and then I happen to get out of the city and explore the countryside. It won't happen often, but I wanted to share a photo or two of a recent day trip Hugh and I made to Belfountain Falls which is part of the Credit Valley River. I wanted to go for a drive in the country to see what kind of shots I could get for my series I'm working on (Surface Deep). I came back with some great reflection shots, but also some rather good (in my mind) shots of the moving water. They feel rather refreshing in my mind.

Enjoy..

Thanksgiving 2010

Yesterday while I was working I was engaged in a conversation with an American visitor and we were discussing the time differences between the American and Canadian Thanksgiving holidays. Apparently their Thanksgiving is in her opinion a bigger event then their Christmas. I've often reflected upon how close the two holidays are in the United States, and how there is barely time to celebrate one, and then the other comes along. To me, both holidays are important and deserve their own time or reflection and traditions. Life moves fast enough as it is.

To life, and to living in Canada. That is what I am thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving!

Island Visit

Last Sunday despite the overcast sky and chill in the air, Hugh and I took the ferry to Centre Island to get some fresh air, and of course to take a few shots. I'm always impressed with the fact that once you are on the island you feel like you are miles away from the city, especially on the south side of the island where it is all sandy beaches, water, and sky forever. Usually packed full of people escaping the city during the summer, it was needless to say pretty desolate on this day. The wind was creating rather large waves which in turn crashed onto the barriers and lake shore. It was rather exhilarating to experience. Once home, I sadly discovered most of the shots did not turn out as I had hoped, but this is one I was okay with...

Surface Deep

For most of you, it is not news that after my two solo shows I went through a period of feeling uninspired, and not sure what to focus on next. I do feel I did the right thing, and took the opportunity to not actually focus on anything, but rather learn, and practice a few new things on the camera. I have been concentrating on using different exposure times and have done what I feel are some nifty practice sessions around the apartment.

                                                                                                                                                                             Recently, I was feeling like I needed to get back outdoors and spend some time with nature, and of course the camera. I went on a couple of hikes and found myself drawn to reflections in the water. Within minutes, I was using my new skills with exposures, and am happy to say I have found my new project. It is a nice transition from my texture series which focused on colour, and patterns, and textures of solid items. The difference is that now the subject is water, but the focus remains on colour and pattern.

Welcome to my new series, my new work. I call it "Surface Deep".

susie

Made a much needed walk to the Brickworks to get my nature fix last weekend. I'm always amazed at how much work is being done at this former industrial site. It has become another great spot for the community, and this day was no exception. It was full of people out to celebrate the opening day celebrations of this new 'park'. One of the things I noticed was the great pieces of floral art that have been attached to the buildings. This shot is a portion of a black eyed susie mounted way up by the roof line. A great piece of art, and appropriate to the area. Well done!!

$3,000

I was recently reading one of my many issues of home decorating/furnishing magazines and I came across a small article on a local photographer. The work shown was abstract shots of water, mostly in terms of reflections. I have done some of my own work on this subject, and have given a few out as gifts, and also framed several for my own use. The picture I am posting is one of those shots. It was taken at Riverdale farm in one of the ponds.

In the article there was a photo of hers that was extremely similar, and it was enlarged to 20 inches by 30 inches. The price tag....  $3,000

Time for me to revisit this subject, I think.  :)

In Style At Campbell House

A few weekends ago I did a photo shoot for a fantastic group called the Time Nomads Society at the Historic Campbell House in Toronto. I was able to photograph them as they went about their daily lives in the year 1833. Most people who know me, know I love history. My partner and I are addicted to BBC period movies, mini series etc. I volunteer when I can with heritage groups, and of course run a facebook group promoting the preservation of Toronto's Heritage buildings. This past weekend I visited the small village of Salem, Ontario and discovered several generations of my family in the small country cemetery. Since then, I have been able to trace my family all the way back to 1580 on my grandmothers side. History is a fascinating subject, and one I wish more people enjoyed. Without knowing our past, I find it hard to have a vision for the future.

This photo is from Campbell House....