CARBON COPY
Ink on polyester fabric, 32’ 4 1/2” x 21’ 1/2” x 28’ , October 2010
Hollis Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Created in collaboration with artist Sarah Haydon Roy (https://www.sarahhaydonroy.com/home/about)
Carbon Copy is a large-scale print installation created from the surface of the historic Charles Morris Building. Constructed circa 1764, the Morris Building is one of the oldest structures in Halifax and once served as the office of Charles Morris, Nova Scotia’s first surveyor.
By 2010, a new development threatened the site, and the building had fallen into a precarious state. Several community groups rallied to prevent its demolition, eventually relocating the structure to an adjacent lot, where it sat on stilts—locked, boarded up, and awaiting a permanent location.
At the time of the project, the building's fate remained uncertain. Through the direct, tactile process of frottage (rubbing), the surface of the building was printed by hand—its textures transferred onto fabric using ink and brayers. Much like making a coin rubbing, this technique captured the intricate details of the cedar shingles, cracked paint, and worn wooden trim at a 1:1 scale.
This work invited the participation of community organizers, artists, friends, and family members who assisted in the printing process. The final prints were temporarily installed on scaffolding, creating a diptych that paired the building and its printed impression together for the art festival Nocturne.
In 2013, the Charles Morris Building was relocated to Halifax’s North End, where it has since been preserved and repurposed as affordable housing.
CARBON COPY DOCUMENTARY
In 2010, during the development of the project, filmmakers Kevin Fraser and Paul McCurdy captured over 60 hours of footage documenting the printing and installation process. A short film created from this material can be viewed here:
http://charleyyoung.com/documentary/
Sincere thanks to:
Kim Thompson and the Ecology Action Centre
Phil Pacey and The Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia Power
Carment Zinck and Coastal Restoration and Masonry for the installation of this project
Nocturne: Art at Night for their generous support
Sarah Haydon Roy, Eric Mummery, Alyssa Chapeskie, Sara Russell, Kelly Markovich, and many others who assisted with the printing process
Chuck and Harry Young—a brotherly duo—for their help with the finishing touches of this work