Lawrence Chrismas
Born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, photographer Lawrence Chrismas attended the University of Alaska and the University of Alberta, earning a Bachelor and a Master of Science Degree. He also attended Oxford, Indiana University, the Colorado School of Mines and McGill University, in addition to studying photography under a number of teachers and at the Banff School of Arts. Lawrence now lives in Calgary, Alberta.
Lawrence is a well-known and celebrated documentary photographer, focusing on the culture and history of Canadian coal miners. Having previously worked in the mining industry in a variety of capacities, his intimate knowledge allowed him to establish a camaraderie with this unique group of individuals. His long-term passion has led to the publication of six books, which include not only riveting pictures, but also the personal stories of his subjects.
Lawrence has been awarded a fellowship in the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum and was inducted into the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts in 1999. His work has been shown in exhibitions in Edmonton, Calgary, Banff, Canmore, Blairmore, Red Deer, Ottawa, Regina, Sydney (Nova Scotia) and Minto (New Brunswick). Lawrence has created permanent installations and pieces for a variety of public collections, including the Canada Council Art Bank, Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography, East Coulee School Museum, the Art Gallery of Alberta, Edmonton City Hall, the Glenbow Museum, the Mendel Art Gallery, Minto Coal Museum, Ontario Art Bank, Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies and the National Portrait Gallery of Canada.
Lawrence is a well-known and celebrated documentary photographer, focusing on the culture and history of Canadian coal miners. Having previously worked in the mining industry in a variety of capacities, his intimate knowledge allowed him to establish a camaraderie with this unique group of individuals. His long-term passion has led to the publication of six books, which include not only riveting pictures, but also the personal stories of his subjects.
Lawrence has been awarded a fellowship in the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum and was inducted into the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts in 1999. His work has been shown in exhibitions in Edmonton, Calgary, Banff, Canmore, Blairmore, Red Deer, Ottawa, Regina, Sydney (Nova Scotia) and Minto (New Brunswick). Lawrence has created permanent installations and pieces for a variety of public collections, including the Canada Council Art Bank, Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography, East Coulee School Museum, the Art Gallery of Alberta, Edmonton City Hall, the Glenbow Museum, the Mendel Art Gallery, Minto Coal Museum, Ontario Art Bank, Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies and the National Portrait Gallery of Canada.