Medalta

James K. Farrell
Hands at Work in Medicine Hat

Exhibition dates: February 8 - April 12
Opening reception: Thursday, March 8, 6-8pm

A collection of 40 black and white photographs by James K. Farrell follow the experience of 17 makers in Medicine Hat. The exhibition explores a range of professions--from ceramist to cobbler to farrier--through the people, objects, materials and tools of each handcraft.

The “Hands at Work” series began as I was exploring opportunities to chronicle professions that may be disappearing right before our eyes. This series has drawn me into the lives of some wonderful people and given me an appreciation of work and trades and interests and talents that otherwise would not have touched my life if I had not entered the spheres of work carried out by these generous models.

Most of these photographs were created using Leica and Zeiss manual focus lenses on a variety of camera bodies. Isolating focus draws the eye to the centre of the story while the bokeh in these images keeps the greater story in play.

I hope the moments you spend looking at these images—images that for me represent what has become a 4 year project—will encourage you to appreciate and reflectively observe the work carried out by those with whom you share the moments of your day. 

Gallery hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm

www.medalta.org

713 Medalta Ave. SE
Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 2T1
Canada