Courtney of Chemical Valley

While attending a Magnum Photos’ Workshop, Baltimore-based photojournalist Eric Kruszewski decided to shoot a conceptual story based on the five senses. He was contemplating how he would capture “touch” in a photograph when he noticed a woman walking swiftly across the street. Her lack of hands was immediately evident—it seemed that “touch had appeared.”

Knowing he had to photograph her, Eric leaped from his seat, traversed four lanes of traffic, and scaled two escalators before finally tapping her on the shoulder. The woman turned out to be named Courtney Gilmour. After Eric had explained his project, she agreed to let him photograph her the following day. Although Eric was initially drawn to Courtney for his “senses” assignment, the project quickly grew from just a workshop theme,

Within a few minutes of our introduction, I had a sense that Courtney was extraordinary. Two days after our photo session, we met for coffee. It was at that time that she told me about being a professional writer and the history of her birth defects. I was instantly intrigued by her story and was so honored that she confided in me. Being let into someone’s life is a wonderful benefit of being a photojournalist.

A year later, Eric visited Courtney again hoping to continue to tell her story through photographs and film. He spent the next five weeks chronicling her life and spending time visiting her birthplace of Sarnia, Ontario—home to 40% of Canada’s petrochemical industry. Eric learned that during pregnancy, Courtney’s mother drove daily through Sarnia’s Chemical Valley—the heart of the industry. After Courtney was born, three geneticists independently concluded that it was this exposure to pollution that led to her birth defects.

The more Eric learned about Courtney, the more the project evolved. He now plans to take it a step further, focusing on environmental toxins, pollution, and others affected by them like Courtney. So far Eric has spoken with researchers, scientists, activists, and lawyers, trying to get the full picture. He’s become deeply drawn into both Courtney and Sarnia’s stories,

Prior to meeting Courtney, I didn’t know Sarnia existed. I also didn’t know that pollution and toxins could have such serious and profound impacts on the development of a human. Courtney’s only one piece of this puzzle. And it’s not only Sarnia. There are other areas in North America that I have begun researching—and I have a feeling there are similar places all around the world. I wish to revisit Sarnia and begin telling stories of the other people who have been affected by pollution.  I believe putting the puzzle pieces together and linking their stories will create a pictorial representation of what toxins do to a surrounding community.

Through the project, Eric hopes to bring awareness and change—but he’s finding it somewhat difficult to share the work with a wider audience.

Some editors and publications are reluctant to show the piece. Some responded that they wouldn’t share the work because the industry is a contributor/supporter of the publication via advertising. These publications are similar to the industry workers who might not wish to speak out—don’t bite the hand that feeds you. But thankfully, many others are encouraged by the project and are supporting me in getting the word out and providing ideas for funding. This initial piece on Courtney was self-funded; therefore, I am currently researching grant opportunities as well as organizations and corporations that might be interested in working together on a more in-depth project.

View the short documentary, Courtney. Red dress, normal girl.

See more of Eric’s work on his Instagram.

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