The House the Spirit Builds is a visual and poetic celebration of a place called Wintergreen, interpreted by two photographers (Peter Coffman and Diane Laundy) whose images inspired a collection of poems by renowned poet Lorna Crozier.

Wintergreen is an educational retreat centre in the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve in Southeastern Ontario. Peter and Diane spent many weeks photographing the grounds over a period of more than two years. They created a composite photographic 'portrait' of the place, evoking the profound resonance of its quiet, still moments. Lorna Crozier's poems respond to them and take us on an inner journey rooted in this deep experience of place.

An image of a slice of light falling across a tablecloth, a black beetle on a leaf: these poems speak of moments "when the dragonfly lands and grips the skin / on the back of your hand" or "rain stops falling / but / hangs around / like the shape of lust / in bedsheets." The impressions and expressions vary, but remind us that if we pay attention, even the smallest things can bring us joy and remind us we are not alone in our brief sojourn on this earth.

The House the Spirit Builds is published by Douglas & McIntyre.

The exhibition at Studio 22 Open Gallery in Kingston, Ontario, runs September 10-October 12, 2019.

This gallery shows a selection of photographs from the book and the exhibition, and several images from the sessions that did not appear in either.