Green Building Ottawa
Conference

Gala Dinner Thursday May 13, 2010

7:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Canada War Museum, 1 Vimy Place, Ottawa

Join us at the Canadian War Museum the evening of May 13th for a gala dinner and evening featuring  our keynote speaker — renowned photographer, Edward Burtynsky. 

Keynote Speaker Edward Burtynsky

IN THE WAKE OF PROGRESS
 "During the course of my work — as the years have turned to decades — it has become clear to me that the plant, animal and mineral resources of the earth are overwhelmed by the robust wheels of economic progress. Cheap fuel in the form of oil coupled with the internal combustion engine have begun to tear at the edges of nature's envelope. As my ideas have evolved, I've looked at railcuts, mines, quarries, oilfields and refineries, homesteads, farms, animal husbandry, taxidermy — all in search of images that describe our changing and complex relationship to nature." —Edward Burtynsky

Edward Burtynsky is known as one of Canada's most respected photographers. His remarkable photographic depictions of global industrial landscapes are included in the collections of over fifty major museums around the world, including the National Gallery of Canada, the Bibliotèque Nationale in Paris, the Museum of Modern Art and the Guggenheim Museum in New York.

 Born in 1955 of Ukrainian heritage at St. Catharines, Ontario, Burtynsky is a graduate of Ryerson University (Bachelor of Applied Arts in Photography) and Niagara College (Graphic Art). He links his early exposure to the sites and images of the General Motors plant in his hometown to the development of his photographic work. His imagery explores the intricate link between industry and nature, combining the raw elements of mining, quarrying, manufacturing, shipping, oil production and recycling into eloquent, highly expressive visions that find beauty and humanity in the most unlikely of places. In 1985, Burtynsky also founded Toronto Image Works, a darkroom rental facility, custom photo laboratory, digital imaging and new media computer-training centre catering to all levels of Toronto's art community. Mr. Burtynsky also sits on the board of directors for: Toronto’s international photography festival, Contact; Worldchanging, and The Ryerson Gallery and Research Center.

Mr. Burtynsky’s distinctions include the TED Prize, The Outreach award at the Rencontres d’Arles, The Flying Elephant Fellowship, Applied Arts Magazine book award(s), and the Roloff Beny Book award. In 2006 he was awarded the title of Officer of the Order of Canada and given an honorary degree; Doctor of Laws, from Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.