In 2009, while living alongside the CNN railway tracks of Strathcona, the interest of Norman Fox in photography became a wondrous obsession. Those routes that once had such little meaning — half-hidden trails, short-cuts, pathways leading to other pathways — suddenly became yellow brick roads, each an inspiration for his burgeoning creativity. Today, that inspiration remains lit by regular walks through Vancouver’s DTES.
“I have taken very few photographs that did not include a conversation with the person involved. Those conversations and stories are the soundtracks of my silent pictures – they are as important to me as the composition or focus of any image.”
Norman Fox, who was born in Calgary, grew up in Port Coquitlam. He moved to East Vancouver in his early 20s. He earned his counselling certificate in the 1990s and began working with Vancouver’s at-risk youth. Today, he is employed as a support worker in an East Vancouver Treatment center.
“When I’m not working or strolling the neighbourhood for images, I’m likely drinking coffee with a close friend or spending time with my adult children — the two most important, inspiring, and funniest people in my life. Norman has shown his images in a few smaller venues around East Vancouver – cafes, barbershops, and breweries. In April, during the Vancouver Capture Festival, he will have an ongoing exhibit at the “Outsiders and Others Gallery.”
Written by Wayne Moriarty – Friend
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Which ‘hood are you in?
After living my entire adult life in East Vancouver, I have recently moved to the West End.
What do you do?
I am a street photographer; I shoot primarily on Vancouver’s DTES and East Vancouver.
What are you currently working on?
A recent trip to Mexico has inspired a project that feels as though it might spill over into Vancouver’s colonial history. It is a blurry picture right now. I am anticipating focus.
Where can we find your work?
Recently, the folks at Instagram removed my decade-old account called shotsbyfox. It’s only been a few weeks, and I still feel devastated! I also have a month-long exhibit at the Outsiders and Others Gallery during the Capture Photography Festival in April.
Today, I can be found on Instagram at @eastvandad and through my website
