York Court

It’s another Saturday morning and winter here in Ottawa. This somewhat upscale part of the market area surprised me when I found this man sleeping. Cold, wet and miserable are just some of the adjectives that apply today. It’s 6:30 am, it’s quiet and all is well I guess.

Stepping out the door that morning I hoped for sunshine and as I walked I looked for beauty, searched for abstract and wanted art. It wasn’t until I clicked the shutter on my camera that I knew I had it.

I think it speaks volumes when we as a society refuse to look at the reality that surrounds us. My experiences over the last year or so tell me that unless it’s a pretty sunset, it carries no weight. Imagine having to tell people to look, see and feel. Sadly, it really is that bad.

When disaster hit Haiti, a doctor brought camera crews to areas that were the hardest hit. He wanted people to see and to know the truth of what had happened there and what people were living. I couldn’t help but thank God knowing that there are people that do understand and that live life with their eyes wide open.

Poverty in this city and poverty everywhere is not necessarily something that we all can understand. For me personally, my not understanding is what keeps pulling me back from making judgements. I know all too well just how people will define you, if you decide to not follow what they believe to be right and mainstream.

I love this photograph. However typical and simple it may seem, I see it as a strong and powerful image that provokes emotions.

Click on the photo for a larger view.

Thanks for reading,

Rick Carroll