....................TEXTURE
Textural surfaces of industry are not aesthetically pleasing for most people. The steel fence, the eroded corrugated steel surface of the walls and the wooden electrical poles that appear to be falling, surround what was once 'Canadian Tube', which became 'Dosco/Sidbec' and today is 'Mittal'. These imposing buildings mark the North perimeter of Ville Emard.

The tough and dangerous textures are insights into how these men worked. Inside the rolling mill, men worked under such extreme heat that shifts had to be divided: 30 minutes inside working and 30 minutes outside cooling off. And yet, the men who worked here; in environments of extreme heat, noise and dust; considered themselves lucky. Because they supported their families and were able to provide them with comfort and luxury; the exact opposite of what this photo captures.

City planners want eyesores to go, because we are so focused on sight. Today the new industries are located in industrial parks camouflaged behind smooth boring surfaces and decorated with some token green space and a company logo. Are we supposed to consider this progress? Some may call it pleasing to the eye. I call it 'politically correct design' aimed at keeping our senses asleep.

I removed the background from this photo so that the viewer can focus on texture. Good or bad, at least it's an honest reflection of what's inside.