In this issue, Rita Taylor takes inspiration from novel As for Me and My House by Sinclair Ross. A sequence of photos shows a plate of fried sausages, "frizzled up and brown" and served alongside fried potatoes and tomato sauce, just as Ross' narrator described them. In this novel that reads almost like a diary, this is one of the meals described by a narrator we know only as "Mrs. Bentley". We are so immersed in her perspective that we, as readers, have to work hard to see her as if from a distance, as if in side view. In the dustbowl era, this mouthwatering plate would be a welcome luxury. Two images focus on the bright colours of canned peaches, which bring a welcome sunshine to the dreary dustbowl supper table. Mrs. Bentley explains that she keeps a tin of peaches on hand for "unexpected company". When Steve comes for supper, with the "aid of some biscuits", they do succeed "in brightening up Steve a little". But Mrs. Bentley's husband Philip is not so easily cheered. At this very awkward supper, Philip speaks in an "abrupt, disjointed way" and the narrator finds that "his eyes kept slipping past" her.
On As for Me and My House, by Sinclair RossInspiré du roman As For Me and My House de Sinclair Ross[Notice]
Biographical notes on the photographer
Rita Taylor’s career in photography began in 2001 after obtaining a degree from the University of Toronto in Art and Art History and a Diploma in Fine Art from Sheridan College. She currently lives and works in Banff as owner of Rita Taylor Photography and as a staff photographer at the Banff Centre. (www.ritataylor.com / @ritataylor).
Rita Taylor a obtenu son baccalauréat en histoire de l’art et arts plastiques à L’Université de Toronto (2001), et un certificat en beaux-arts du Sheridan College. Présentement, elle demeure à Banff, travaillant comme photographe officielle au « Banff Centre for the Arts ». Elle a aussi son propre studio à Banff, Rita Taylor Photography (www.ritataylor.com / @ritataylor)