Mention honorable dans la catégorie « Reportage »

While strolling in the Giudecca, part of the commune of Venice, I came across a large hangar surrounded by and filled with boats and gondolas in various stages of construction or refurbishing. I later learned this was Cantiere Crea, one of Venice’s last gondola makers.

I peeked through the large hangar door and immediately felt attracted to what I saw and felt.

Gondolas are beautiful when floating in the canals of Venice, but they are equally beautiful throughout their stages of construction. Form follows function, and the form of the gondola has been perfected over centuries of use and experimentation.

Inside the hangar, several professionals worked on different tasks, such as measuring, tracing, cutting, fitting, sanding, varnishing, etc. There was little noise other than the occasional hum of an electric tool.

Two craftsmen motioned me in and said it was ok to photograph. I felt welcome and stayed for several hours following the light, the shapes, and the action. After seeking permission from the owner, I returned several times, having a great time photographing.

This series is a collection of photographs made on those visits.