In the Clearing

Revisiting his hometown in a photographic series of miniature dioramas, the artist presents life and death in northwestern Ontario, writ small

| by Adam Makarenko

The town of Atikokan has been floundering ever since the iron mines shut down in 1979 and 1980 -- a result of changes in the way steel is manufactured. I was not yet ten years old when I watched the blood red ore wash off the trees for good. Fortunately, since my father worked at the municipal pool and my mother at the high school library, my family was not immediately affected by the closures. But eventually, of course, everyone felt the loss as people began to move away. Only now do I realize how privileged I was to grow up there, with no limits placed on my exploration of the natural world, including the parts scarred by industry. My roots in Atikokan, my upbringing there, continue to shape who I am and what I do.

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4 comment(s)

Rory SlaterDecember 09, 2009 08:18 EST
Great work Adam. Like yourself, I also grew
up in Atikokan in it's hayday as you call it.
I too have so many fond memories of the town
and now after having spent some forty odd years
in southern Ontario I now realize what a unique
experience it was.

Rory

frank napoliDecember 10, 2009 09:27 EST
Wow, I love these, I really do. I wish I could see them in print!

frank napoliDecember 10, 2009 09:29 EST
Fantastic work! It makes me feel funny in the best kind of way. SO thoughtful. Also, the wolf image is haunting. Wish I could see this large and in print!

MelissaJanuary 26, 2010 09:35 EST
Great photography! I grew up in northwestern Ontario as well so the images look very familiar. It is always a pleasure to go back and visit the north and I highly recommend any city-dweller to experience the beauty of northwestern Ontario.