More Or Less Daily

Split personality

Thu, 17 May 2012 22:11 -0500

A new discovery in East York by some underground colleagues inspired Michael and I to get underneath and have a look for ourselves. It was much more interesting than the location would have suggested.

Infrared views and fallen filters

Thu, 10 May 2012 22:48 -0500

The last infrared photo I'll be posting for quite some time. Why? Because as I was setting up for another photo half an hour after this one, I watched in slow motion as the filter slowly fell from my grasp. Try as I might to stop its progress towards the murky deep, a split-second decision had to be made: catch the ~$75 filter and risk myself and the camera going for a swim in Taylor Creek, or let the filter go. And so here is the last infrared photo I'll be posting for quite some time. Incidentally, this is the Don River, just around the bend from where Taylor Creek flows into the Don.

Skin of a Lion

Wed, 09 May 2012 22:48 -0500

...and we're back, again. I'm going to stop promising to be regular, since it's becoming obvious that every time I do that, something keeps me from posting regularly (this time it was moving and lack of internet access at home, in case you're curious). More importantly, some news. First, I got underground again, into the former Rosedale Creek, colloquially known as 'The Skin of a Lion'. The occasion for this third or fourth visit was a visit to Toronto from Andrew, who will soon be a Toronto resident again (our gain, Montreal's loss). The other exciting news – well, exciting for me at least – is that I'll once again have the opportunity to show photos and talk about the wonders of sewage and stormwater infrastructure at a couple outdoor art shows in Toronto. First up is the Riverdale Art Walk, held on the first weekend of June at Jimmie Simpson Park on Queen Street East. I'll also be at Nathan Phillips Square on the second weekend of July for the Toronto Outdoor Art Show. I'm definitely looking forward to both of these shows, and hopefully more great conversations over the two weekends (not to mention hopefully some more trades with other artists).

With that said, I can promise that Lady Toronto still has more underground delights to share, and although it might not be tomorrow or next week, when I've had a chance to point my lens at somewhere previously unseen (by the average eye) it will appear here.

Lake Simcoe Night #4

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 06:38 -0500

Lake Simcoe Night #3

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 08:38 -0500

Lake Simcoe Night #2

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 12:36 -0500

Lake Simcoe Night #1

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 23:35 -0500

I read that the northern lights might be visible as far south as southern Ontario last week, so we drove an hour north of Toronto. No dice, but I did get a few decent long exposure night photos. Lake Simcoe by moonlight.

Double barrel

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 06:21 -0500

The most interesting feature of this drain was within the first 20 metres. The two round pipes diverge, one heading due north and shrinking, the other meandering northwest and eventually doing the same.

Shaft

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:21 -0500

Another new Scarborough find. Not exceptional, not horrible. This was my colleague Phil's first underground venture, which made the trip a bit more interesting than the drain itself would have warranted. I think he enjoyed it...guess I'll find out for sure if he comes along next time.

Debris field and stream

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:06 -0500

Now that I've re-familiarized myself with the sights, sounds and smells of the underground, I suppose it's time to get back to work finding more drains to photograph. Stay tuned, the next break won't be nearly as long as the last one.