Prairie Gothic

One of my earliest childhood memories is sitting next to my father and staring up at the stained glass in St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in my home town of Drumheller, Canada. Catholics have used pictures to inspire, create a sense of reverence, to underscore ritual and most importantly to teach. I didn’t understand it at the time but I was being introduced to the power of pictures and the important role they would play in my life. Photographers who work in the documentary tradition like I do are hard-wired to seek out people and places and stories that can teach important life lessons. Below the surface of the stories there’s often a promise or a challenge that we’re being invited to consider. Imbedded within them is the possibility of learning something about courage and compassion. Through my work I want to touch and understand the traditions, spirituality and possibilities of this place.