After waking up in the morning, the computer is turned on and my desktop display reveals one of the first images of the day. The picture projected is my favourite electronic group Above and Beyond. Suddenly a window pops up from MSN Messenger.  This program provides all kinds of visuals, and file sharing.  The latest version allows members to use a picture of their choice to represent themselves. Furthermore, without Messenger this current site would not be available.  My MSN Spaces account is a place where I can create my own visual culture by posting photos and sharing my thoughts, ideas, and emotions with the world. People can also leave responses. Much of the examples provided above are the ways in which visual culture can become a matter of choice. On the other hand, television and other forms of media are greatly limited in options and the viewer is often more passive.

Now to skip a few chapters in my day of visual culture. The following describes the images seen during my commute to work.  While taking the local Hamilton Street Railway bus, I am aware of a community that is mainly residential.  As I look out the window, I feel a sense of history for there are many old houses and abandoned back roads.  Theses hidden pathways are interesting, because they no longer exist in our modern communities.   Also, the local shops, bakeries, and variety stores are all independently owned.  The popular stores, adverisizements and light pollution are minimal compared to what is seen in a big city like Toronto.  However, when you reach the downtown area of the Hamilton, a transistion occurs. The streets become one way and the images are more frequent and dense.  Store shops and signs are closer together and therefore more information demands to be absorbed.  There is a greater sense of speed compared to the quiet residential areas.  In the middle of all this traffic, the City of Hamilton's dominant and iconic characteristic is Gore Park.  Here all aspects of the population unite: the young, old, poor, rich, and more. It is a stop and go place where buses meet, workers break, events entertain and pigeons waddle. In addition, Gore Park is full of history with its many monuments and surrounding old buildings.

Please click the images below to experience the visual culture described.