The Block’s Herzog Photo Contest was a truly gratifying experience for everyone involved. We received more than 300 shots all told, and the vividness and variety of all those budding photographers’ work made for a brilliant tribute to the neighbourhood. It was great to have the opportunity to nurture all that creative talent, and to find an interesting way to celebrate the unique Main Street precinct that The Block calls home.
As most of you know, the contest concluded recently. Last week, we had a chance to wrap things up with the artists who won honours.
Our top ten most-voted-for photographers all had their images displayed in our presentation centre, and we invited them all down for a glass of bubbly to celebrate their win. There, they had a chance to meet each other, get a signed copy of Fred Herzog’s book, and share in their collective creative energy. Each of them went home with a framed print of their winning image. It was a great little party, and we were glad to see everyone together.
Our Grand Prize winner, Byron Barrett, whose “Drama Over Main Street” arrested Mr. Herzog’s attention (“It has impact,” Herzog said of the image) was beside himself when he learned of his victory. Here is an excerpt from the email Byron sent us after he heard he had won:
Needless to say I’m absolutely thrilled. No word of a lie, Fred Herzog is my favorite photographer – not only because his photos are basically perfect, but also because the body of his printed work centers around Vancouver, my hometown. I thought it a great honor just having Mr.Herzog look at my work, but for him to pick my shot… that is just too much.
At the contest’s close, Mr. Herzog took an afternoon to have coffee with Byron. Speaking of meeting his idol, Byron said: “We talked for more than 2 hours…I got more out of that coffee than any photography master class could ever teach.”
Herzog is an absolute charmer, full of all the character and presence you’d expect from a celebrated artist. We can’t thank him enough for his involvement.
And hearing those words from Byron is very satisfying. A big reason that ParkLane Homes decided to sponsor this contest was to show that we are sincerely interested in celebrating and supporting the neighbourhood’s singular texture and character. Like Mr. Herzog, we were energized by our contact with this next generation of Main Street visionaries. And we look forward to growing with this neighbourhood in the years to come.
To get a closer look at more of Fred Herzog’s work, visit the Equinox Gallery (who generously supported the photo contest) for his upcoming show.
Fred Herzog “Locations”
Nov 5 – Dec 12, 2009
Equinox Gallery
A selection of new works and never before printed or displayed works from the 50s.
A catalogue will accompany the show.
And to see more of Byron Barrett’s work, visit his Flickr page.
A big thanks to everyone who made this contest possible. And congratulations to all our winners!