Raoul Calleja

Sewers of the World by Vernakular is a project that examines the diversity and beauty of the ubiquitous, yet overlooked sewer covers we find all over the world. I havehas taken photographs from over 100 cities and 20 different countries (and counting), in search of the most unique and inspiring sewer covers.

Vernacular photography is "everyday photography." It has a perspective that is identifiable, accessible, relatable, yet playful. This is my approach to my photography and how Vernakular (with a k) came to be. I look at things differently, something that seems mundane excites me. Vernakular represents my curiosity, imagination, point of view, and experiences. I aspire to provide a platform for the ordinary – found objects, industrial landscapes, and series photography. I am intrigued by the stories behind these subjects. Since 2003, I have been using photography, travel, and the world around me as inspiration for functional design. In the last ten years, my emphasis has been on the well-received project, Sewers of the World, which documents the diversity and uniqueness of sewer covers I have encountered around the world. The series represents sewer covers from over 100 cities, 30 countries, and five continents (and counting!). What fascinates me is how a sewer cover can define the city it represents, with its beauty, creativity, personality, and functionality. After graduating with a degree in still photography from Ryerson University in Toronto, I began my quest to capture the uniqueness and diversity of sewer covers I encountered. I have amassed a collection of thousands of photographs of sewer covers from my travels around the world. I produce functional items, such as doormats, trivets, and coasters all featuring images of sewer covers around the world. I sell in boutiques, museum stores, pop ups, and arts and crafts shows around the country.