2nd place
silver star award
Grant Stirton
canada
title
Underwater Statue Park - St. Lawrence River - Brockville, Canada
This series begins a long-term exploration of Canada's marine environments, from above and below, to cultivate an appreciation for this invaluable community asset. It interprets how a confluence of ecological, industrial, and recreational factors have shaped and continue to inform each Canadian's relationship with our most critical resource - water.
This part of the series explores the first man-made underwater statue park in Canada. Located along the banks of the St. Lawrence River in Brockville, ON, the site was created in 2014 to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives to the river. Additionally, it supports a thriving local diving community who introduce new divers to this incredible resource, acting as a jumping off point for exploring the regions many historical shipwrecks.
The introductory image of 'The Memorial Ring' statue sits at the centre of the marine park, where it pays respect to tragedy and reminds us of the importance this great river has played in shaping our shared history as Canadians.
His practice expresses a deep sense of technical fluidity and admiration for historical processes. Working seamlessly across digital and film formats, he employs both antique and modern methods to produce hand-made prints - silver gelatin, platinum, or with archival pigments.
His passion for exploring the natural world is informed by his experience as a photojournalist and marine expedition guide. He explores themes related to the conservation of marine habitats, species at risk and water security, reflecting on the human impact and voicing a need for stewardship. This desire to inspire change has led him across the world’s oceans - learning, educating, and showcasing the fragility of our marine habitats.
Grant has received numerous awards and publications for his work in journalism and tv/film. He is a graduate of SPEOS Photographic Institute in Photojournalism, the University of Toronto in Management and is currently an artist in residence with the School of Photographic Arts Ottawa (SPAO).
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entry description
Canada is a society shaped by water. We share our deepest connections to the land, its history and development through our waterways, natural and man-made. Our vast geography supports five major watersheds, each resolving to an ocean via a network of over 600 interconnected waterways.This series begins a long-term exploration of Canada's marine environments, from above and below, to cultivate an appreciation for this invaluable community asset. It interprets how a confluence of ecological, industrial, and recreational factors have shaped and continue to inform each Canadian's relationship with our most critical resource - water.
This part of the series explores the first man-made underwater statue park in Canada. Located along the banks of the St. Lawrence River in Brockville, ON, the site was created in 2014 to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives to the river. Additionally, it supports a thriving local diving community who introduce new divers to this incredible resource, acting as a jumping off point for exploring the regions many historical shipwrecks.
The introductory image of 'The Memorial Ring' statue sits at the centre of the marine park, where it pays respect to tragedy and reminds us of the importance this great river has played in shaping our shared history as Canadians.
about the photographer
Grant Stirton is a photo-based artist who grew up in the suburbs of Toronto, and now lives near Ottawa, Canada. Specializing in marine environments, his images expose a world rarely experienced, where the surreal and serene co-exist in perpetual tension. Each work draws us under; imbuing a sense of awe for the unique inhabitants and demanding settings he explores.His practice expresses a deep sense of technical fluidity and admiration for historical processes. Working seamlessly across digital and film formats, he employs both antique and modern methods to produce hand-made prints - silver gelatin, platinum, or with archival pigments.
His passion for exploring the natural world is informed by his experience as a photojournalist and marine expedition guide. He explores themes related to the conservation of marine habitats, species at risk and water security, reflecting on the human impact and voicing a need for stewardship. This desire to inspire change has led him across the world’s oceans - learning, educating, and showcasing the fragility of our marine habitats.
Grant has received numerous awards and publications for his work in journalism and tv/film. He is a graduate of SPEOS Photographic Institute in Photojournalism, the University of Toronto in Management and is currently an artist in residence with the School of Photographic Arts Ottawa (SPAO).
back to gallery