Forgotten Saskatchewan

Chris Attrell has been photographing the “forgotten” beauty of Saskatchewan for almost 20 years. His work has been featured in the National Post, Saskatoon StarPhoenix, Regina Leader-Post, Fine Lifestyles Magazine, Prairie Post and CBC Saskatchewan. Exhibits of his work have been shown in galleries across the province

The stunning images found in Forgotten Saskatchewan offer a window into our past, showing life as it was then, and stirring in us the emotions of wonder and curiosity about those who have gone before us and the lives they lived.

Saskatchewan is in Chris Attrell’s blood, and you might say Forgotten Saskatchewan is his love letter to the province. Where others may only see decay and rot in these long-forgotten locations, Attrell sees exquisite beauty. This is the book he was destined to do.

Five questions with our authors

1. You've spent a lot of time exploring Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. What attracted you to the subject of grain elevators?

I mostly liked how they looked. They are so big and most are very colourful. I’d always enjoyed the grain elevators, but in May 2003 when I happened upon the demolition of the grain elevators in Champion, Alberta, my interested turned to shooting them.

2. What is it about grain elevators that evokes such emotions for those who travel through the Canadian West?

I think this mostly evokes emotion in the folks who lived when the elevators were the center of the economy in the community and most farmers came to town to sell the grain. My town still has a pair of grain elevators; you can see them from miles away, announcing you are almost home. If they ever tore them down, the landscape would feel barren.

3. Your photos are spectacular. How much work goes into getting a typical shot?

Most of the work is actually not camera related. The camera settings are not that difficult any more thanks to modern cameras. Most of the work is in planning to get the right time, and figuring out a unique composition so that every photo of a grain elevator does not look the same. This can take minutes sometimes, but if I am shooting at night and need to set up lights it can take up to an hour.

4. Do you feel your work is helping to preserve these structures for posterity?

I am not sure about that as most of the ones being preserved were chosen long ago. But interest in visiting these places is certainly increasing.

5. You've explored rural Saskatchewan in your bestselling book, Forgotten Saskatchewan, and now you've examined the disappearing grain elevators. Do you have your next project in mind yet?

Yes, my next two projects are exploring a bunch of exciting places across Canada at night, and finishing images throughout the province for my I LOVE Saskatchewan project.

Chris Attrell is the author of the bestselling book, Forgotten Saskatchewan, the most popular photo book in Canada for 2019. His work has been featured in the National Post, Galleries West Magazine, The Weather Network, Saskatoon StarPhoenix, Regina Leader-Post, Calgary Herald, Fine Lifestyles Magazine, Prairie Post and CBC Saskatchewan. Exhibits of his work have been shown in galleries across the Prairies.

BREATHTAKING

Chris Attrell's mission is to lift the dark blankets away from a forgotten Saskatchewan. Each of his photographs uncovers a glimpse of the hauntingly breathtaking beauty of a past that is unique to all of Canada, while speaking volumes of a once simple but noble cause for survival. It is a mission Attrell knows must be preserved forever.

JOHNNIE BACHUSKY journalist and author

INCREDIBLE

Chris Attrell is one of those people who inspires us with his images of forgotten Saskatchewan. Through his eyes and camera, you get a truly magnificent look into Saskatchewan's past. His work is incredible

MIKE STOBBS winner of the National Geographic and Nikon Canada awards

Related Books