They say inspiration comes in many forms and this piece is an ode to my late grandfather, Mickey Katz. He was an avid impressionist oil painter who had a keen eye for composition, colour and storytelling. His incredible and unique paintings adorned the walls of my childhood home and in many ways, though unbeknownst to me then, greatly influenced my style as an artist and photographer.

Looking back, I found myself drawn to a specific painting he had created entitled ‘Chinatown by Night’. It depicted a solitary figure walking down a dark alley lined by warehouses and buildings, some of which cast a soft glow of warm light. This particular piece always resonated, the contrast evoking a sense of loneliness, sadness and despair. Feelings I easily related to during an earlier time in my life.

Since becoming a photographer, I was in constant search for the composition and conditions that would conjure those same emotions I felt from viewing that painting. One could argue that a good portion of my photography reflected this quest, though I could never quite capture the essence of my grandfather’s piece.

Until that one snowy night in the streets of Toronto, I finally found it.