Fan Tan Alley in Victoria's Chinatown

Known as the narrowest street in Canada, Fan Tan Alley is a notable attraction within Victoria, British Columbia's historic Chinatown. At its narrowest point the alley is only 35 inches across and features entrances to a variety of small shops, offices, and galleries. 

I'm sure the comparison has been made before, but Fan Tan Alley is kind of like a real life Diagon Alley from Harry Potter. Historically, the alley was a gambling district with restaurants, shops, and opium dens. In the 1980s low rent attracted artists and the alley began to evolve into an attraction. Today, Fan Tan Alley is a popular tourist spot and features a lot of unique characteristics that make Victoria's Chinatown such a fascinating place to explore.

Innovation @ Medalta

In a video project that began late last year, Innovation at Medalta ultimately combined a lot of different skill sets. From 3D modelling at Medicine Hat College to 3D sculpting at Streamline Automation in Calgary to finally producing the ceramics at Medalta Potteries, there were months of production involved. In the midst of all of this, I was there documenting the process.

What's always exciting about a project like this is that you get to see so many talented people in their element. The very nature of the project was about blending traditional ceramic techniques with cutting edge technology and how it could advance both in the process.

  

Over the weeks of shooting I saw how the 3D design process worked at Medicine Hat College, I went up to Calgary to see the foam cutting technology at Streamline, and I saw the step by step production as Aaron Nelson created plaster molds and large scale slipcast ceramics at Medalta. It was an eye-opening experience, but I'll let the video speak for itself.

Ford Piquette Avenue Plant: Part 2

A continuation of my photo series from the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant in Detroit, Michigan.