Spreepark: The third instalment in a series of illustrations on the life cycle of Berlin's most significant abandoned sites. For further information on the history and accessibility of Spreepark, I would recommend checking out http://www.abandonedberlin.com/2010/04/spreepark-and-how-to-get-in.html

Spreepark

Teufelsberg: The second instalment in a series of illustrations on the life cycle of Berlin's most significant abandoned sites. For further information on the history and accessibility of the Teufelsberg, I would recommend checking out http://www.abandonedberlin.com/2010/06/teufelsberg-abandoned-spy-station.html

Teufelsberg

Rüdersdorf Chemikwerk: The first instalment in a series of illustrations on the life cycle of Berlin's most significant abandoned sites. For further information on the history and accessibility of the Chemikwerk, I would recommend checking out http://www.abandonedberlin.com/2012/09/colossus-abandoned-chemical-factory-of.html

Rüdersdorf Chemikwerk

Originally one of Winnipeg's premier hotels, the Woodbine Hotel sets the scene for Winnipeg's most famous intersection, Portage and Main. The subject harks back to a time when this hotel was still king and the distant intersection was a meeting place not just for traffic. To the left, the rising Richardson Building marks a contrast to the figures as a symbol of Winnipeg's unimaginative modernity.

Woodbine

This scene is set in the harsh winter of Winnipeg where temperatures occasionally drop below -53. Despite the cold, residents make many excuses to enjoy the outdoors and the Winnipeg Carnival is one of the best. The toboggan run visible to the left was set up at the end of Osborne Avenue at the edge of the Red River which carves a path throughout the city. Below are gathered hundreds of spectators, skiers and skaters who often took advantage of the frozen ice trail. The Carnival was a predecessor to the annual10-day Festival de Voyageur which began operations in 1967.

Winter Carnival

The scene is that of anxious preparation as a blizzard begins to blow through one of Winnipeg's iconic corners at Colony St. and Portage Ave. In the foreground sits an old Manitoba Hydro truck, run on electricity as was common at the time before gas automobiles set the pace. To the left, the now-famous Hudson's Bay Company flagship store is in its final stages of completion. Beyond the gnarled branches of the central tree, is the future spot of the towering Winnipeg Art Gallery, now marked by a simple home. Reaching the end of the street one can see the faint silhouette of the Winnipeg Legislative Building, made distinctive by its piercing dome.

Frigid Turmoil

The original photo was taken in the 20's and depicts the original Nova Scotia Bank on the corner of Garry St. and Portage Ave. in Winnipeg. The building next had caught fire some days before and now the mess of wire and icicles lay frozen amidst the blizzard. The street car on the right harbours a street cleaning attachment on its front to keep the tracks swept as this scene is a common one for Winnipeg. A wealth of local history captured in one fleeting moment I was lucky to depict.

Fog of Winter

A summer spent slaving over this hot canvas, producing the first for a series of pieces highlighting animal cruelty

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Caleb Screpnek