Winnipeg photographer up for international prize

William,2008,chromogenic print,26 x 26 inches.Courtesy of the artist. (Elaine Stocki)

They say a picture paints a thousand words.  Well, Winnipeg photographer Elaine Stocki has thousands of photos which paint just as many stories.  She is one of four photographers (two from Canada, two from India) who have been shortlisted for an international photography award.  

Elaine Stocki grew up in West St. Paul, Winnipeg.  It was her father who introduced her to photography when she was young and she soon found herself drawn to the camera as a means of creative expression. 

Stocki has found her voice by drawing on people from various social backgrounds.  Sometimes she finds subjects by placing classified ads on Craig's List or posting notices in libraries. Working with them, she captures that indescribable 'moment in time' and the end result is nothing short of striking.

"I think that my work is driven by issues like class issues, by gender issues, by race issues....When you photograph groups of people that maybe don't look like you, that aren't your age, you inevitably deal with those issues" she says.

These days, Elaine Stocki splits her time between New York and Winnipeg.  Winning the 50K Grange Prize would allow her to take photographs full time. 

Watch this video about Elaine Stocki: 

Elaine Stocki:  At a Glance (reprinted with permission by Grange Prize partner, Art Gallery of Ontario)

• Stocki was raised in Winnipeg in 1979. She earned two undergraduate degrees from the University of Manitoba before completing her Master's degree in Photography at Yale University in 2009.
• Her work, shot both in colour and in black and white, explores themes such as race, class and gender.
• One method she uses to find subjects to photograph is by placing classified ads in newspapers and online in order to meet strangers.  
• Elaine has exhibited at the Deutsche Guggenheim (Berlin) and Zach Feuer (New York) as well as participating in Toronto's CONTACT photography festival.
• Read an interview with Elaine

Photograph above video:  Carrie,2008,chromogenic print,26 X 26 inches.Courtesy of the artist. (Elaine Stocki)