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.

D’Arcy was on a shoot with fellow photographer Daniel Banko (Banko Media) recently and took the opportunity to explore a little of what New York has to offer. A jammed pack couple of days meant walking the streets at night was required. Below are a few images from the series ‘Manhattan’ by D’Arcy…you can see more at his new personal website, www.darcyelliott.ca.
We are so looking forward to taking a trip to New York together for some personal shooting and a few cold beers under the Brooklyn bridge! Be sure to check out his new site, it just went live!

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.

Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It is a very mean and nasty place and it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t how hard you hit; it’s about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. How much you can take, and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done. Now, if you know what you’re worth, then go out and get what you’re worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hit, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you are because of him, or her, or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain’t you. You’re better than that!”
- Movie Quote from ‘Rocky Balboa’

Now go get’m tiger!

 Our busiest year yet, but I still found the chance to take a weekend off last month and drove around Muskoka with my good friend Dan of DEW Imagery. It was the only weekend off this year (since spring). We have some big plans for the winter (photographically) so please check back.  This particular image was shot from the side of the road somewhere in Muskoka on a Canon g10 and is part of the Canon g10 art project. It’s not the gear, it’s the talent!

  Once and a while, Ang and I like to do some Urban Exploration. This image was made in the old MasseyFurgusson Plant and made with a Canon G10. To view more images made with this camera go here.

Just a little something I picked-up at the super market!

The Celeriac was photographed by D’Arcy  with a Hasselblad on ilford film…D’Arcys’ flickr  photostream can be viewed here!

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!

Did this really cool shoot a while back and this is the result. Andrea has never modeled before…seriously never! You will definately see her again, we’re addicted! If your wondering who the Dude is, that’s Desmond, Andreas boyfriend that hired us to give Andrea the model experience! Thanks Des!

A pear, one exposure with the Hasselblad! I might make a big canvas of this for the kitchen!

 A wedding dress made by a very talented designer…sadly he stopped making them. This particular shot was again shot using the Hasselblad with Ilford film.

 A few trees for your contemplation, all shot on my trusty Hasselblad with the same lens (80mm)

 This was shot deep inside Algonquin Park, made with a large format 4×5 Arca-Swiss view camera with real film. A big fat 4×5 inch piece of film!

Some mushrooms shot digitally in the studio using a Hassleblad!