CARBON COPY
Ink on polyester fabric, 32’ 4 1/2” x 21’ 1/2” x 28’ , October 2010
Hollis Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Carbon Copy is a large-scale print installation created from the surface of the historic Charles Morris Building. Built in c.1764, the Morris Building is one of the oldest buildings in Halifax and was used as an office by Charles Morris, Nova Scotia’s first surveyor. In 2010, the building was in a precarious state as redevelopment was set to begin on the site of this building and its demolition was imminent. Several community groups lead efforts to save this historic structure from demolition and the building was moved onto an adjacent lot where it sat on stilts, locked and boarded, awaiting a permanent location.
At the time of this project, the fate of the Morris buildings was fate still undetermined. Using the direct and automatic process of frottage (rubbing) the building was printed slowly by hand, using ink and brayers onto fabric. Akin to making a rubbing from a coin, this process recorded the unique textures of the cedar shingles, crackled paint and worn wooden trim at a 1:1 sclae. This work invited participation from numerous community organizers, artists, friends and family who helped in the printing. The final prints were temporarily installed on scaffolding, creating a diptych pairing the printmaking plate and print together for the art festival Nocturne: Art and Night.
In 2013, the building was relocated to the North end of Halifax where it has been preserved and repurposed for affordable, low income housing.
This work was created in collaboration with the brilliant artist Sarah Haydon Roy (https://www.sarahhaydonroy.com/home/about)
CARBON COPY DOCUMENTARY
In 2010, during the development of this project, filmmakers Kevin Fraser and Paul McCurdy captured over 60 hours of footage consisting documenting the printing and installation of this project. This short film can be found here:
http://charleyyoung.com/documentary/
Thanks to
Kim Thompson and the The Ecology Action Centre
Phil Pacey and The Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia Power
Carment Zinck and Coastal Restoration and Masonry for installing this project.
Nocturne: Art at Night for their support of this project.
Sarah Haydon Roy, Eric Mummery, Alyssa Chapeskie, Sara Russell, Kelly Markovich, and others who assisted with printing
Chuck and Harry Young, a brotherly duo who helped with the finishing touches of this work.