This project expresses my desire to share my enthusiasm for photography with children and adults throughout Ontario Creating a portable walk-in camera seemed like the ideal venue for assisting students to explore the play of light and discover the magic of photography. Workshop participants are also given the opportunity to make their own pinhole camera or viewer. Since a pinhole camera can be constructed from any recyclable material, cereal box, cookie tin, or even a red pepper, it makes photography accessible to anyone. I am excited by the idea of travelling around the province with the Yurt, visiting schools and community events, to demonstrate the principles of the simplest form of photography. By holding workshops for students and teachers, I aim to contribute to an ongoing commitment to the arts and science in Ontario.

I believe this project has great potential for adding to the cultural and artistic fabric of this area. In addition, participants learn the science behind the art and even how their own body deals with light. How our eyes work, the principles of light and photography merge with the aesthetics of artistic creation. Teachers have already found that the walk-in pinhole camera assists them with subjects regarding optics and photography. The enthusiasm encountered by children, youth and educators thus far, indicates that this novel approach to education and the arts is also a whole lot of fun.

Brian Michel
1235 Augsburg Rd.
R.R.5
Eganville ON
K0J1T0
Tel: 613.628.5054
E-mail: brian.theroom@sympatico.ca