Will do a ZOOM talk for the Victoria Camera Club on Thursday January 14, 2027. They will pay $250 CAD, money to be used to help the people in the pictures.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Albertina Collection Book
A large 700 page book filled with so many lovely and moving drawings/watercolours from the Albertina collection. Work from Michelangelo, to Goya, to Warhol, and so many artists I did not know. This is my favourite type of book, filled with creativity and beauty.
Thrift store find, $8.75 CAD.
Another Possible Talk, Victoria Camera Club
Another possible talk is shaping up. It looks like it will be a ZOOM talk withe the Victoria Camera Club. Possible date will be sometime in January, 2027.
Nothing set yet but if it happens that will be a little more food donation money for the people in the picture/projects.
Note, Now have one scheduled talk for the Kelowna Club, another one in Halifax (hope to do it live) and now this third in Victoria.
Monday, April 27, 2026
Nice Thrift Store Find
Found a vintage (1970s?) staple gun at a thrift store for $6.30 CAD, got me 5000; staples online for $5. A good deal, new staple guns run $40 plus. This one is better built, near indestructible.
Will use the stapler to attach the cloth to the silk screen frames I make.
Motor Home Fanny Getting Ready
"Fanny" the motor home is getting ready for the road. Doing cleaning, adding batteries, water and even did some painting! Cleaned up a wall that had silver nitrate stains on it, a new coat of paint helps make things look cleaner.
Also removed a bunch of stuff, mostly books, that were not required. Took the new cat SingSing for a look see in Fanny as well. She seems to handle the noise of the diesel engine better than Dimsum the male cat.
Hoping to take a 2 day trip to Calgary to test everything soon. Will travel without the darkroom trailer. Later on when the trailer "Freddy" is ready, will take both "Freddy and Fanny" out to make photos for the wet plate ambrotype project AMBROTOS KANATA. Hoping to do my first British Columbia photo making trip then.
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| Painted wall |
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| Cleanup in progress |
Sunday, April 26, 2026
Attempting to Paint Darkroom Trailer Counter Top
Decided to paint my counter top (after sanding), in the wet plate darkroom trailer. The stains from Silver Nitrate were very bad, and anytime you touched the counter some of the black filth followed you. I decided to try a paint job. I got some old paint from the basement and did 2 coats, will do 1 more tomorrow.
Not sure this will work but it seems better so far.
Note* I also did a bit of painting on one wall in Fanny the motor home, covering up some silver night stains there as well. Silver nitrate is NASTY, it gets on everything.
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| Paint attempt, second coat! |
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Silk Screen Art Making Plans
Been thinking of my sideline art, silk screen prints on paper. I will go it on my own at first, setting up an outdoors printing area. I have started to buy supplies. Am also going to make my own wooden screens to save money. I have always taught myself, am a self taught kinda guy and this latest art venture is no different.
If things go well and if I like the process and the art created, I might try printing on canvas. I could even at some future date submit the paintings for exhibitions. Lets see how things work out. Lots of questions yet!!
Another possibility is taking an advanced course at SNAP (Society of Northern Alberta Print-Artists) here in Edmonton, after I teach myself the basics, and then using/renting their facilities during the winter months (when I cannot work at home, outside). That is assuming of course I become proficient enough at the process that they issue me access and a fob. SNAP charges $198 CAD a month plus a membership cost. I think there an old fogey discount as well, that i should qualify for.
PS. Thank you Jim G, for introducing me to SNAP!
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| SNAP facility |
History Remembered
David Kirby was born in a small Ohio town, where he had a difficult adolescence due to his sexuality. After graduation, he moved to California, and he became an outspoken AIDS activist as the disease devastated the country in the 1980s. Then, he learned that he'd contracted HIV. Although he was estranged from his family at the time, Kirby called his parents and asked if he could come home to Ohio to die surrounded by his loved ones. After undergoing treatment at a local hospital, he was ultimately transferred to Pater Noster House, a hospice facility for AIDS patients.
He died there on May 5, 1990, at age 32 — but David Kirby's story wasn't over. A photojournalism student named Therese Frare had taken photos of Kirby on his deathbed, and one was published in "LIFE" later that year. Today, it's one of the most iconic images from the epidemic, and it revealed the true devastation of AIDS at a time when the disease was still largely misunderstood by the general public. Learn more about David Kirby and his tragic final moments.
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| photo by Therese Frare |
Silkscreen Making Bible
Hope this helps on my silkscreen journey. Should be making prints of the photography this summer. Gathering supplies and knowledge, a fun side art thingy.
Link: 2 AMBROTYPES of the Plant Rejected
The 2 Ambrotypes I wrote of early were rejected by the Strathcona Art People. I was told that because I did not live in the region I did not qualify. Never mind that I worked over 30 years in the region and the facility was an integral part of the community.
Nothing says art and the search for art like RULES RULES RULES. These people need to bend a few RULES to have a collection of art that really matters. As the Thais say "Up to Them!!"
This is the second rejection for this work. I guess it is not as strong as I feel. At least in the eyes of the art folk making the buying decisions.
Fanny and Freddy, Back to Life!
Getting the motor home FANNY ready for the AMBROTTPE making season. Working on the darkroom trailer FREDDY this week as well!
Tarps off, batteries in!!!!
Khun Dom, Memory
This picture of Khun Dom was posted 6 years ago on my FaceBook page. He is long gone, not sure if he passed on or just moved away. He sold YaBa tablets to passing Thais on motorbikes. A bit of an excentric fellow, but he was always nice to me.
His memory makes me wonder, who I will find under the freeway my next visit. Thais can be such good and kind people, I look forward to new friendships.
Dom 58, THE FAMILIES OF THE DUMP, Klong Toey Slum, Bangkok, Thailand 2019
More Thrift Show Art Books
Today’s Thrift store art books. Total cost $9.79 CAD. The Pompeii book is especially interesting, which I got free, buy 4 (30% discount for old age), 5th is free.
Links: Discovered a New Turner Painting
Mount Vesuvius in Eruption
J.M.W. Turner
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Date:1817 -
Style:Romanticism -
Genre:marina -
Media:watercolor, paper -
Location:Yale Centre For British Art (Yale University), New Haven, CT, US -
Dimensions:39.7 x 28.6 cm
Monday, April 20, 2026
Buying Supplies for Silkscreen Printing
I have started to buy supplies, tools to do silkscreen printing. I will try to save money where possible. I will make my own screens to start with, see how that goes. Not take a course yet, see if I can manage it on my own.
Hopefully I can start making some prints on paper this summer. Maybe eventually printing onto canvas, making paintings I can exhibit at galleries. I can then use that money earned from exhibitions to help the people in the original photographs.
Sunday, April 19, 2026
Bought a Power Washer
I have tried to be more careful with money since my retirement but felt I needed this tool. I will use it to wash the motor home, the truck, and the car along with washing around the house. I also intend to use it to wash my screens in my coming silk screen art work. I probably can figure out a way to use it on the wet plate project as well.
Got the Dewalt 2400 PSI, 13 AMP Corded Electric Cold Water Pressure water. Cost was $379 CAD, which is supposedly a $60 discount. Dewalt has served me well when it comes to my woodworking tools, so decided to go that way again after watching several YouTube videos on the product.
Product details:
Overview
Model # DWPW2400 Store SKU # 1001592017
You can rely on the durable, mobile, and powerful DEWALT 2400 psi Pressure Washer, delivering enough power to handle your outdoor cleaning tasks. Be prepared to tackle just about any job or wash your vehicle with the accessories you need. This Cold Water Pressure Washer comes equipped with five nozzles, including a Turbo nozzle and built in storage for organization. Built to transport over rugged terrain, the pressure washer features premium 10 in. pneumatic wheels so you can take it to the jobsite. The 2400 PSI Cold Water Pressure Washer is backed by a 3 Year Limited Warranty.
- Power through a variety of cleaning tasks with a 2400 max psi and 1.1 gpm
- Stay organized with on-board nozzle, hose, cord, and wand storage
- Clean with detergent by using integrated soap tank
- Withstand heavy duty usage with 25 ft. kink resistant hose
- Wide outlet range with 35 ft. power cord
- Includes: (1) DWPW2400 Pressure Washer, (1) Turbo Nozzle, (1) 15° Nozzle, (1) 25° Nozzle, (1) 40° Nozzle, (1) Soap Nozzle, (1) Wand & (1) Hose
A Couple of New THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE UNDER THE FREEWAY Portaits
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| Khun Apple, with head bandana, THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE UNDER THE FREEWAY, Khlong Toei Slum, Bangkok , Thailand 2025 |
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| Khun Ann, lost in thought, THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE UNDER THE FREEWAY, Khlong Toei Slum, Bangkok, Thailand 2025 |
More, More, New Edits
Some new ones, from tonight, THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE UNDER THE FREEWAY. Added 5 new images from these new edits to the Social Documentary Power Point presentation.
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| Man with one eye, THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE UNDER THE FREEWAY, Khlong Toei Slum, Bangkok, Thailand 2025 |
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| Khun Yao 75, watches me, THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE UNDER THE FREEWAY, Khlong Toei Slum, Bangkok, Thailand 2025 |
Friday, April 17, 2026
More New Edits
Some more new edits of THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE UNDER THE FREEWAY work.
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| Young girl with father, THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE UNDER THE FREEWAY, Khlong Toei Slum, Bangkok, Thailand 2025 |
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| Khun Prem, smiling, THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE UNDER THE FREEWAY, Khlong Toei Slum, Bangkok, Thailand 2025 |
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| Khun Prem, thinking, THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE UNDER THE FREEWAY, Khlong Toei Slum, Bangkok, Thailand 2025 |
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| Khun Dao, with hand raised, THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE UNDER THE FREEWAY, Khlong Toei Slum, Bangkok, Thailand 2025 |
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| Khun Apple, confused, THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE UNDER THE FREEWAY, Khlong Toei Slum, Bangkok, Thailand 2025 |
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Link: Photogravure Anyone?
Went to a printmaking cooperative type shop here in Edmonton today, called SNAP. Met a friend there who showed me the building then made some Photogravure prints, lovely stuff.
Also spoke to the several nice staff people and a man doing Silk Screen.
Thinking of learning Silkscreen at SNAP maybe Photogravure.
Note* My friend Jim even gifted me a print, which I got him to sign. Very nice of him!!!
Note** Thank you everyone at SNAP as well.
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| Photogravure print and printing plate |
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| Print by Jim Gaa |
New Editted 2025 Images
Decided to edit a few more images from the 2025 trip. Nice to find some new photographs. I miss making photos with friends there.
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| Prem and Dao, sleeping under the freeway, THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE UNDER THE FREEWAY, Khlong Toei Slum, Bangkok, Thailand 2025 |
Link: Another Online Video Interview with FRAMES Magazine Scheduled
I will be having a second online interview with Tomasz from FRAMES magazine. 7 of the photos from THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE UNDER THE FREEWAY are in the current issue of FRAMES, so we will talk about that.
The interview is scheduled for May 16, will be posted online soon after that. When I have the link I will share it with you all.
We did an earlier online interview. Here is the link to the first one.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Social Documentary Talk Possibilities?!
My next talk, a ZOOM is scheduled for January 2027. I have been sending out lots of emails to various clubs around the country, mostly Alberta and British Columbia. I have received maybes from photo clubs in Canmore-Alberta, Victoria-British Columbia and Prince George-British Columbia. Folks from those 3 clubs all told me they will get back to me after they speak with their membership.
Hope some of the possibles become a reality as I can then earn more money to help the people in the photographs!!
Note* Halifax-Nova Scotia has also agreed to a talk, but I am hoping to visit them and do a LIVE show, when I am working on the AMBROTOS KANATA project in Eastern Canada. So no date or type (live or ZOOM has been set).
Link: First Edmonton Historical Photographic Society Meeting
https://www.edmphotosociety.ca/
Went to my first meeting for the Edmonton Historical Photographic Society tonight. I was surprised how much fun I had. Lots of knowledgeable members, lots of fun talk, enjoyable and educational, all round! About 10 older men at tonight's meeting, some new friends there I think.
I will be going back, will take some of my vintage Brass Lens. The theme of the next meeting is cameras over 100 years old.
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Who Knew?
For the fun of it I did a google search on Gerry Yaum, who knew!
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Gerry Yaum is an Edmonton-based self-taught social documentary photographer
known for his long-term projects documenting vulnerable communities in
Southeast Asia and Canada. He is particularly recognized for his series Families of the Dump, which captures the lives of Burmese refugees living in the Mae Sot garbage dumps in Thailand.
📸 Background and Career
- Pseudonym: The name "Yaum" means "security guard" in Thai, reflecting his long-time profession.
- Dual Life: He has worked as a night security guard for over 25 years, using the quiet time to study languages and photography.
- Philosophy: He believes photography should be a force for social change rather than just "pretty pictures".
🌏 Key Photography Projects
- Families of the Dump: A decade-long project documenting the resilience and dignity of Mon and Karen refugees in Thailand.
- Under the Freeway: A series documenting the homeless and marginalized populations in Edmonton, Alberta.
- Ambrotype Work: Recently, he has explored historical processes like wet plate collodion and Ambrotype photography.
🤝 Humanitarian Approach
- Language Integration: To build trust with his subjects, he learned basic Thai and has studied Burmese.
- Ethical Engagement: He emphasizes treating subjects with respect and kindness to capture "honest dignity" rather than exploiting poverty.
- Recognition: His humanitarian photography has been featured in several exhibitions and art centers across Canada.
If you'd like to explore his work further, I can find:
- A list of current or upcoming exhibitions for his work
- Details on the specific cameras and film he uses (like his Chamonix 16x20)
- More information on his Burmese refugee advocacy efforts
Quote: Albert Schweitzer
"Ethics is nothing other than Reverence for Life. Reverence for Life affords me my fundamental principle of morality, namely, that good consists in maintaining, assisting and enhancing life, and to destroy, to harm or to hinder life is evil."
Monday, April 13, 2026
Trying to Upgrade the Social Documentary PowerPoint Talk - PHOTOGRAPHY AS A FORCE FOR GOOD
Note* Added another 10-12 images, and re edited some that were already in the talk.
Links: Watching a Documentary on Adolf Eichmann
This documentary is terrifying to me. How can a man justify what he did in his own mind, yet act in such a cold and methodical way, responsible for killing millions.
When speaking of his roll in the Holocaust, he simply said of himself "....I was merely a little cog in the machinery...."
Eichmann's Jailhouse Memoirs Part 1, CIA
The Talk in Written, Spoken or Video Form
While in the shower, I had a thought.
What if I created the Social Documentary Talk "Photography as a Force for Good", in book form. The photographs and the pics, stories, titles in a book (no videos possible). I doubt it would have the impact of a live talk presentation but at least it would have staying power. It would be something to leave behind after my death. Something that would have a chance at helping people, making a bit of a difference in the world.
The other option is do some kind of PowerPoint live spoken presentation, that might be more impactful but probably seen less.
A video of the talk intercutting me speaking with the presentation photos and vids and photos intercut on PowerPoint might work best. I do not have the money to produce that, unless it was some kind of static camera, which would be boring and near unwatchable. Could I set up several cameras and cut in between them?
Will think more on this.
Note* A Ted Talk? Highly doubtful, but worth a look.
Link: Edward Burtynsky and Me
Years back, I saw Edward Burtynsky speak at the Alberta Art Galleries (AGA) Ledger theatre. I marvelled at the time how well he spoke and how confident an eloquent he was. I hoped that some day I could do something close to me.
Today I received a comment from a friend who attended the Images Alberta Talk.
"I was really impressed with your presentation at Images Alberta. How your discussion worked with the pictures you showed. And of course, how powerful they are. Not to mention the quality of the images you showed. Among other things, it made me think of a parellel with Edward Burtinsky, in that it's often discussed that he often makes beautiful pictures of ugly things and places. You make great photos of real people in "ugly" situations. In both cases, this tension is part of what makes his and your pictures so powerful."
Note* Obviously I ain't no Burtinsky but it was still nice to read. Thanks ----- for the kind words.
$560 Earned to Help the People in the Pictures
Note* There might be some other money coming in. FRAMES photography magazine still owes $200 USD and S------- from IACC said she would help raise a bit of money.
Talking at High Schools?
One of the people who attended my Images Alberta Camera Club (IACC) talk suggested I speak at High Schools. A motivational/inspirational speaker of sorts, who can encourage the High School students to a better life.
A bit frightening, to think of. I am only a dude who makes photos and worked as a night time security guard for 31 years. Doubt I can motivate or inspire anyone. Maybe the stories can, maybe the photographs can, but certainly not me. I am nothing.
Still, it was nice of her to feel and write that I could. I guess, for her, the talk/photographs and stories were effective and had some small impact.
Sunday, April 12, 2026
Saturday, April 11, 2026
Donation Total Growing
The new grand total raised so far to help those in need from the social documentry talks sits at:
- $250 CAPS (photo club Red Deer)
- $250 IACC (photo club Edmonton)
- $40 Donation from M--- IACC
- $?? Donation from S---/Family/Friends IACC
- $20 Donation from a kind man at the CAPS meeting (I had forgotten, thank you)
So at least $560 CAD. Hoping to get to $1000 CAD
Note* I will need to track this, set up an new link on my blog with these donation numbers, then lower the total on the blog as I spend the money in Asia. Will also made photos and videos of how the money is spent, to send to the kind donors.
Note** Link added to top of this blog page. Will track the money there, up and down!
Another Donation Possibility
Got an email message from a 2nd kind person at the IMAGES ALBERTA CAMERA CLUB (IACC) talk. They said they wanted to know when I would return to Thailand to do more photography and donation work and that they wanted to help, wanted to raise money from their family and friends to assist THE PEOPLE IN THE PICTURES.
All good stuff, helping more folks in Thailand. Thank you S------- for your kindness and good heart.
Images Alberta my old club, is filled with kind hearted good people, gotta love that!
PHOTOGRAPHY and photographers AS A FORCE FOR GOOD!!
$250 not $200 CAD
The IACC talk fee was $250 not $200 CAD. My mistake, I thought they said $200 before. All good stuff, now more for the people in the photographs. Helping more folks.
Friday, April 10, 2026
No Notes, No Problem!
I had to freelance the talk last night, without notes. In the IACC audio visual technical set up (ZOOM and their PC laptop). I did not have access to my computer or my PowerPoint presenter view notes.
It was a freer type expressive talk. Just my TED TALK microphone and a clicker!! My only limitation is I had to stay in view of the ZOOM internet camera.
I will try to this freestyle talk in the future. I would love to be able to walk around!!
LOVED IT!!!
Newby Talk Moment
So I had a NEWBY talk moment at yesterday’s presentation for the IACC (Images of Alberta Camera Club).
Before the talk began the audio video guy handed me one of those high end TED RALK type microphones to wear. I did not know how put it on!!! First I put it on the wrong ear, then I put it on backwards!!!
The IACC guy must have been thinking. What kind of bonehead speaker do we have tonight ? Later at the beginning of the talk I had to stop and turn the microphone on!
After that things went well!
$240 for Food
At the IACC (Images Alberta Camera Club) meting we raised $200 for the talk, and $40 extra from kind M----, making a total of $240 CAD. We (donors and myself) will probably use the money to buy food for people who live "Under the Freeway" in Khlong Toey Slum, Bangkok.
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