Thompson Rivers University visual arts professor Donald Lawrence’s interest in the camera obscura takes many shapes. As an artist, he’s always finding new ways to design the ancient camera and new places to build it, and of course the images created inside provide even more creative incentive. The camera obscure provides a return to the “pre-photographic experience,” explains Lawrence. The images come by way of a simple lens or open aperture, and provide a new way of looking at the world outside.

“When people step into a camera obscura for the first time it elicits a magical response.” — Donald Lawrence, TRU Visual Arts

Even more revealing than the artistic experience, however, are the themes the project is able to bring together.

“I’m looking at the camera obscura’s ability to link science and art, older technology and newer technology, learning and play,” explains Lawrence who has been supported on this research journey by a five-year Insight Grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).

“When people step into a camera obscura for the first time it elicits a magical response,” Lawrence says, and he encourages all who are able to discover that magic to come visit Dawson this June.

Midnight Sun Camera Obscura Festival
June 17-21, 2015
Dawson City, Yukon