Category: Abstract and Still Life

Washing Machines — Lids Up

For some reason, unbeknownst to me, every time I passed this laundromat I had this incredible urge to take a photo of the machines. I think it has something to do with my OCD and the fact that they’re all lined up in such a perfect sequence. Their lids are also almost always up in a row like they are in this shot. Usually when I’d walk by with a camera there’d be people in there doing their laundry and I’d let them be and not stick a camera in their faces as they folded their unmentionables. One evening when I passed by the place was empty and I started shooting. This image, with the lids and coin slots all in a row against the backdrop of the pale blue wall, was my favourite.

Shortly after I finished, a man came in to wash his socks. I left him in peace to do so.

The Fountain People

They may live in a perpetual state of dampness, but the Fountain People are a quite accomplished group.

From their post in the historic Tourny Fountain, the Fountain People helped earn French sculptor Mathurin Moreau a gold medal at the 1855 World’s Fair in Paris, presided over on a grand avenue in Bordeaux, France, traveled across the Atlantic Ocean, enjoyed a 21st century restoration and are now officially citizens of the City of Quebec. Not too shabby for a family of inanimate objects.

For an impressive video documenting the restoration of the fountain, click here.

Spitting Frog

(Click on photo for full size image)

This little guy, a fixture in the classic Fontaine de Tourny at the base of the Quebec’s Parliament Building  in Quebec City, creates quite the effect as he sits all day spitting water into the air and the occasional burst of mist onto passersby. The frog is just one of an identical group that create beautiful aqua-arches that shoot from the base to the top tier of the multi-tiered, 156-year-old masterpiece. In the evening, the fountain (which was a 400th anniversary gift to the province from La Maison Simons) is lit in various colours creating a gorgeous light and water display in front of one of the most breathtaking buildings in la belle Provence.

Summer is Gone but the Sun Shines On

It may officially be autumn, but before you dig out your parka and winter boots and lament the coming of snow and ice step outside, tilt your head back and take a good long look up.

This is one of my favourite times of year in Toronto, when the autumn winds mingle with summer’s left over sunshine. Okay, perhaps I’m waxing a little too poetic, but the point is that even though there’s a bit of a chill in the air get out and enjoy this weather. In a few months, when you have to dig yourself out of your house from under two feet of snow, you’ll wish you did.

Toronto’s Harbourfront at Sunrise

A few weeks ago, while awaiting an early morning ferry to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport along Toronto’s harbourfront, I thought I’d snap a few photos of the sunrise across Lake Ontario and the islands. There are times when this city frustrates me to no end. There are also days like this, that remind you how wonderful it can be. Paint it with a pink and orange sunrise and watch it glow.