Empirical Photographic Arts

I recently approached the Brantford Museum & Archives and the Canadian Industrial Heritage Centre about an idea I had to do a photography coffee table book on the subject of the Brantford Brownfields, specifically the mohawk site. This idea intrigued them and I am excited to be working with them on this project. The book will now involve great imagery and a look at the interesting history behind this 53 acre parcel of land that helped make Brantford the 3rd largest exporter of manufactured goods in Canada at it’s prime.
James Cockshutt started the Brantford Plow Works in 1877 and in 1882 it was incorporated as the Cockshutt Plow Company. The company’s products included plows, cultivators, harrows, seeders, and rollers. The company relocated to 66 Mohawk Street in 1903.  They also manufactured transport equipment, shells, and other weapons to help with the war effort during both World Wars. The Cockshutt Company became a subsidiary of the White Motor Corporation  in the early 1960s and the name was officially changed to White Farm Equipment in 1969. Creditors forced the closure of White Farm Equipment in 1985 with the last shift coming on April 10, 1985.
Below are a couple of images taken for the upcoming project. Upon completion of the book in 2011 there will be an exhibition featuring many more photographs and other multimedia works.

After the fallout, a struggle to find safe shelter is an ongoing battle. I took a trip to Toronto with our masked avenger friend to see what we could find. All seemed well until we reached the seventh floor of an abandoned factory…out of breath, cold, thirsty, and hungry, we noticed a shimmering light in the far corner. A lone candle, lit not long ago, provides a little light, a sense of warmth, and also fear…we have invaded someone’s home.

Here’s a little sneak peak at a few images from one of my recent outings to a motor vehicle graveyard. There were some really cool classics there. If we were in a different country most of those cars would still be in use and in good shape. Instead, they have just become another victim of our disposable society.

We go out sometimes and find some rather interesting places. All in a good Sundays drive.

This is part of a new project…the g10art project!  You see, I bought me a new camera and this is the story!  We traveled to Buffalo a week ago for a little  “urban infiltration” and I shot the whole day on the “small camera”  A  Canon powershot g10. I love it and with it’s help have spawned a new blog dedicated to this “small camera”. www.g10art.wordpress.com  Feel free to leeave any comments and the updates will be frequent! I want to touch it now!

Sunday I trashed a bride, not the dress!
I met Lisa and Murray in Port Dover for an engagement shoot. All went well until Lisa fell like a sack of Potatoes onto some serious chunks of metal in a marine scrapyard! She did not even bounce!  Lisa trooped on to finish the shoot and after a beer in their garage, Murray dutifully drove her to the E-MERGE room. Murray, the cheecky bugger that he is said that that is what happens when D’Arcy shoots. Yea, well, no pain, no gain!   All is well, just a pretty good bruise on the elbow. Most of the shoot is from before the “fall”. Cheers guys!

D’Arcy and I have been doing a little exploring lately. Here are a few shots from various outings.