Some years ago the Georgia Straight commissioned me to take a photograph that would represent the problem of the diminishing hospital beds in the Lower Mainland. I have no recollection how I took this photograph and or the name of my subject. At the time that smokestack was there at VGH.

These days I am exploring new ways of displaying my photographs. Instead of scanning the 6x7cm negative I opted for scanning one image from the contact sheet. In that last century and in the beginning of this one we photographers used to use the rapid glossy drying of the plastic coated Ilford photographic paper. It was not archival and I find its deterioration lovely.

I believe (but then it’s a subjective opinion) that this image reflects the situation right now rather well. Illustrating an journalistic essay with my photograph is a pleasure I miss now.