I visited the newly relocated Stephen Bulger Gallery earlier in September. I don’t make many trips to Toronto and when I do I always try to catch the latest exhibition at the gallery. It can be a place for hard truths and revelations.

I’ve known Bulger for many years. I remember taking a Towell workshop in Stephen’s first Queen Street galley in the mid-nineties.

Hard truths: Bulger is not going to represent me; I have a way to go to hit the Towell standard for creative, documentary photography. All good. I pursue a different journey.

The revelation, the “aha” moment, this visit is about change. I thought I had to change subjects such as from hockey to rural healthcare in Africa. Two minutes into seeing Towell’s exhibit I “get” that change may be additive: mixing colour and black and white; using different formats; presenting ephemera; showing book dummies. I like and will use this idea.

Bulger’s gallery is wonderful. Larger space, bigger offices and a nifty bar. I wish him all the best in the future. As for Towell, he is busier than ever and has some interesting shoots upcoming. He is doing fine.

About the photos:

#1. Towell is showing “Union Station”, a commissioned work, that is a little bit different than his usual work. Lots of colour but also some archival images and book dummies. I like it a lot.

#2. Bulger is in the middle of the photo speaking with a guest at the reception.