Million Dollar Hole This hole in the ground represents different things to different people. For some, it is a future home to rest one's head and raise a family. For another, it is a money making venture, a temporary job, an opportunity to brand, sell, design or build. For others, it is a scar and damage done to a place where trees and birds once flourished where anyone could openly enjoy. For me, it is a symptom of an economic system that takes at any cost with questionable benefits to society as a whole. Developments encroaching into green spaces only accessible for the affluent, …
gentrification
Chïïwas, Skwxwú7mesh
Old story: Words too often abused come from the masses… The damage is done. Patch it up, build over it. Hide it’s former disgrace. What could possibly go wrong? The machine continues. Many blinded. Gullible to their offerings of all things shiny. Something “sustainable,” “mutually beneficial,” “contemporary.” A place where you too, could “belong…” Comes with various price tags of course. Some, more damaging than others.This same story, manipulated in different ways spreads like a virus. To suit one's own. Creeping, embedding itself into our so-called logic and reasoning.Until …
Changing Squamish. Part 1
I am pleased to announce that my project “Changing Squamish” was a recipient of the annual community grant from the Squamish Art Council. This project is a collection of photographs that document the gentrification and ongoing changes that Sḵwx̱wú7mesh has or is undergoing. Having been around long enough to remember Squamish as a quiet town where loggers outnumbered the recreationalist and Dairy Queen was the to go place on the main drag, in the last decade specifically, the changes began. At a rate faster than anyone likely expected, Squamish morphed from a quiet, affordable town, to one of …
1 year, 3 weeks & 5 days
As if under a spell, the idea of staying anchored in one place for the duration of an entire year, attached itself to me like a starved leech. It was an idea that wouldn’t budge or compromise; leaving a strong sense of obligation before even starting. That if I didn’t follow through, something dire would happen… That if I left the said vicinity, some horrid curse would be laid down… Maybe it is the slight OCD in me but I followed through. Through thick and thin, the spell, felt curse at times, swallowed and bound me to a land which I both loved and despised. Through two cold and snowy …
Changing Squamish – Introduction
It was the summer of 2001. I had just arrived to make Squamish my stomping ground, 100% inspired by the magical combination of mountain, ocean and world class climbing. It had a small town feel and, though a climber, I felt somewhat an outsider. Some locals stared at me as I walked down the main street of Cleveland. My climbing attire didn’t quite fit into the local style of lumberjack, plaid and jeans. Squamish has since undergone numerous changes regarding its culture and environment. I had imagined capturing these changes on film before they were gone forever but this thought remained just …