Movement In Abandon

This series explores the little town outside of Crowsnest Pass in Southern Alberta that has been long abandoned and forgotten. I found myself exploring these spaces feeling connected to the land and the ghost-like remnants of a history long passed. While there, I was reminded of those in my own life who have left my story, but whose spirit still connects with me. I embraced my grief. How does my body react in these desolate spaces? Who mourns the folks that once worked in these mines, collecting resources for their families before ultimately relocating due to tragedy. This town is within eyeshot of the devastating mounds of rubble and rock of the infamous Frank Slide that took place in 1903. Following the desolation, nearly 100 residents of the town were buried under limestone in less than 100 seconds. Due to coal mines shutting down, and the irreversible damage of the train lines, those that settled in this valley near Turtle Mountain were forced to abandon their homes and community in search of jobs and food.

A century later, the three towns that make up Crowsnest Pass were reborn, but the bones of these mines and homes remain. I wanted to insert myself in these spaces, to see how they transform when a burst of life is placed. How does their grief reconcile with mine? And how do we honour those that left too soon?