For Christmas this year good friends gave me a copy of George Webber’s new book “Borrowed Time: Calgary 1976- 2019.” It was the catalyst for me to spend the holidays reviewing my collection of Calgary photos.

Chillin’, Cold Garden Beverage Company, Inglewood

I have known George for 30+ years since my days as the Muttart Art Gallery’s curator, where we worked together on many photography exhibitions. One of the things I admire most about George is his ability to gain the trust of strangers to allow him into their homes to take intimate photos of their lives.

George has published several books documenting people and places in Calgary and Western Canada over the years, from the Badlands to the Blood Reserve, from black and white photos of ghost towns to seniors living in Calgary’s East Village.

In “Borrowed Time” George captures the everyday places and people of Calgary over five decades. Some are happy photos at Stampede Park, others are more pensive e.g. a mother and daughter living in a mobile park. Webber successfully captures the spectrum of everyday living in Calgary from his unique perspective.

If you are interested in a copy and live in Calgary, I’d recommend dropping by the Camera Store (802 11th Ave SW), it has not only an impressive photography book section, but a remarkable urban buzz.

As a result of perusing Webber’s photographs, I was inspired to re-examine at my collection of everyday street life photos over the past decade to create a virtual photo essay of Calgary.

I my case I have tried to capture the life of Calgarians from a flaneur’s (or as one of my friends tells me, “flaneur rhymes with voyeur because it is the same thing”) perspective as they go about their everyday living.

I hope you will enjoy… Everyday Tourist

Saturday morning cricket practice, Whitehorn

Horsing Around, Stephen Avenue Walk, Downtown

Blow Your Own Horn, Buckmaster Park, Bankview

Opening, cSPACE King Edward School, Marda Loop

Scooter Couple, Stephen Avenue Walk, Downtown

Saturday Afternoon Dancing, Tomkins Park, Beltline

Out For A Stroll, RiverWalk, East Village

Wedding Anniversary, Memorial Park, Beltline

Sunday Afternoon Fishing, Bow River at Louise Bridge, Hillhurst

Traditions, Chinatown Street Festival, Chinatown

Fishing 101, Pearce Estate Park, Inglewood

Speakers Ball, Stephen Avenue Walk, Downtown

Daycare Fun, Grand Trunk Park, West Hillhurst

Sculpture As Picnic Table, Harry Hayes building lawn, Chinatown

Father & Child, Grand Trunk Park, West Hillhurst

Playing The Game, Devonian Gardens, Downtown

Backpacking, Calgary International Folk Festival, Prince’s Island Park

Mask, Calgary International Folk Festival, Prince’s Island Park

Swinging, Grand Trunk Park, West Hillhurst

Taking Your Truck Out For A Walk, River Promenade, Eau Claire

Somebody Is Watching, Wonderland Sculpture, Downtown

What’s going on? Downtown, Stephen Avenue Walk

Last Word

I hope you have enjoyed this photo essay and that it will inspire you to look at your city, town or neighbourhood a bit differently on your next walk. Or perhaps, be the catalyst for you to review the photos on your phone from a different perspective. No matter what be sure to enjoy each day!

Webber: Borrowed Time Sampler

I shared this blog with George, to make sure that he was comfortable with it. He is and kindly provided me with a couple photos from his books to share with you.