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Archive for the ‘Build’ Category

Do You Know What You’re Fighting For?

January 29, 2012

Peace, to those of you remaining. From black rock to black fog: I’ve recently returned from a four night pilgrimage to my alpine mecca, Blackcomb, and would like to write you before the blindness sets in.

It still seems like You Are Unlimited came out last week, and I want to thank all of you for the overwhelming love and support. There are a few more steps to take before the project is a wrap, and I’m currently working on a launch party, as well as some audio and an essay to compliment the book.

In other photo news, certified OG John Burke wrote a post for All That Inspires Me, and chose one of my shots to accompany the piece, which is a tremendous honour. Knowing John and his brilliance, I suggest you give it a read. He doesn’t drop diamonds every day. I’ve also collaborated on a shirt with my former roommate Steeve and the rest of the crew at Plenty Humanwear. Details are still slim, but you can be sure we’re going to cook up something special for when the mens and ladies versions are released in the Fall.

Falling Snow was published in issue 5.2 of The Ski Journal. I’m particularly proud of it because it’s the first personal piece I’ve ever had printed, and it was written without publication in mind. I know it connected with many of you, and I hope that continues. In the meantime, I’m looking to pick up my writing where it left off. Work has also begun on a completely new version of this site, and if all goes well, things will be looking a lot better around here in a month or two.

Finally, I’d like to say a word to my fellow skiers on Sarah’s passing. From Shane to CR, Arne, Jamie and most recently Sarah, the death we have seen over the past few years is staggering. I’m fortunate to have crossed paths with all of them, and they were vital members of our family. Sarah’s passing breaks my heart, and I can’t imagine the pain of those closest to her. Like John, Anthony is another diamond who doesn’t express himself in words often, but he wrote a beautiful post saying it all. Thanks, Ant. It wasn’t for me to write, and I’m happy you did.

From black rock to black fog to black maria,

Posted in Build, Live, Ride, See | 2 Comments »

You Are Unlimited

November 15, 2011

Available now. Click cover for details/preview and to order online.

Since returning from Japan in May, I’ve kept only one goal in mind, and today I’m proud to announce the release of my first self-published photo book You Are Unlimited. The photos span Sept. 2007 to Sept. 2010, including 12 shots and one piece of writing that have never appeared on this site. While the pictures were taken all over North America, You Are Unlimited was mainly produced in Vancouver, Montreal, Philadelphia, and Niseko, and each place shaped the book in its own way.

I’ve been working on this project for nearly four years, and at times it seemed like the end was a horizon in perpetual retreat. Fortunately, instead of the pain of another unrealized idea, I have a book I photographed, wrote, designed, published and paid for myself. Undertaking this journey on my own was an invaluable learning process, but the end result would not be what it is without the help and guidance of some amazing people in my circle, to whom I am very grateful.

I’ve done my best to keep the book affordable and accessible to anyone interested. Thank you for your support, and thank you for believing in me. My only hope is that I will connect with you.

- dp

Details/Preview

Buy Online

Posted in Build, Dream, Live, Read, See | 4 Comments »

Loose Change

June 17, 2011

Heads up fam: swampsterbate.com will be changing to davepires.com within 48 hours. Please adjust your internet maps accordingly.

Posted in Build, Destroy, See | 3 Comments »

The New Equilibrium

June 10, 2011

I didn’t dock my ship in Vancouver, I ran it aground. Left it parked at the high water mark. Right now, here is as good as anywhere else. True about the city, but not my state of mind. Here is as good as anywhere else. True about beginnings, but not a race when you’re behind.

Reconnecting with friends has been gratifying, even though I don’t have much energy and I’m not close to the city. To everyone around the world, their goodness constantly reminds me of you.

It’s never fly to turn 25 and move back in with your parents. Even if it’s only for a few months. My dad lives in another city for work, my mom is away until September, my sister left last week, my brother is here. I could play it off like I’m house-sitting, but the truth is I had no choice.

I’m painting houses again. The work is hard, the pay is decent. I’ve done worse for less. Most days what I look forward to most is falling asleep at night. Facing what I’m willing to do for money can be difficult. You live the dream long enough and you’ll have a few nightmares. As if you can have one without the other.

I’ve been having trouble writing. Opportunities to shoot photos are as rare as days off. At least the way forward is clear. Get a place, reclaim my headspace. Build the website, publish the book. Then there are letters to return, notes for days, prints, projects, pieces in limbo. Nothing happens without energy and everything falls apart without money. I’ll get back to you about time.

This is the new equilibrium. I hope smaller steps forward will mean fewer steps back. Being on the run is freedom if you don’t know where you’re trying to go. Being at nothing is freedom if you do. That’s something.

Build it up, tear it down. Build it up, burn it down. Build it up, run it aground. Refresh the rules, redraw the blueprint, reach for the sky. If I don’t make it this time, may the flames burn high.