Edmonton has been my whole life...
...But only in the sense that I have inhabited the city since my birth. I don't define myself as an Edmontonian, nor do I feel any particular connection to the city. In fact, sometimes I abhor my birthplace as I think that had I been born elsewhere, my talents could have been better cultivated by richer culture and keener eyes. The city's limits? I feel stuck within them. It is the space of nearly my whole physical life, minus the few times I've left the city to see "bigger and better" things: Paris, Rome, Athens... Great, colourful places full of historical and cultural riches. When I think of Edmonton, I envision nothing but shades of grey. Lackluster. I don't feel as though Edmonton has a distinct and lively culture of its own.
I admire aspects of the city, sure enough. We have a breathtaking river valley, though more brilliant views can be had outside of the city in the Rocky Mountains - Once again, Edmonton seems to hold but a shade of beauty. We boast the world-class Winspear Centre which often houses our Edmonton Symphony orchestra and it is always a wonderful treat to sit in the Winspear and listen to skilled musicians play. But the Winspear is mere architecture, yet still, its impressive resounding acoustics are grossly under-appreciated. Our new art gallery is spectacular, yet the art displayed within its skillfully skewed space transforms it not into a place that defines Edmonton as most of the displays do not boast local art - Perhaps a sign that we really don't have a unique culture to share?
I want more than anything to be proven wrong. I want to feel and see and experience local beauty and culture. I want to be proud to define myself as an Edmontonian.
I really love the image of a city in shades of grey - you're right, that's what Edmonton is a lot of the time. Actually, your post reminds me of a photo I took last summer, of the highlevel bridge. Remember when the city was engulfed by smoke from BC forest fires? The photograph, like your Edmonton, is all in shades of grey. I'll post it on my blog, so you can see it if you're interested. www.journaledmonton.blogspot.com
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ReplyDeleteHaving been born in Calgary, I must admit I often held very similar views of the Edmonton area. With that said, however, my last four years have been spent in Edmonton--and though I agree the city can often seem unfulfilled--I have discovered a connection with this place I otherwise would have not imagined prior to living here. Although the natural landscape can seem dark and dreary (especially during the winter months) it can also be powerful and imaginative. Yes, the Rocky Mountains are beautiful and, yes, there are "bigger and better" things to enjoy out there; nevertheless, Edmonton offers numerous advantages that many other places would be thankfull to enjoy.
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