The Sarnia Journal has partnered with local photographer Art Connolly to feature his captivating “Humans of Sarnia” series as he delves into the lives and experiences of everyday people in Sarnia.
Some of the best stories begin with a simple walk.
It was a warm afternoon along the St. Clair River, one of those slow, golden moments when the breeze feels just right and the boats glide by like daydreams. I was walking near the water, camera in hand, when I noticed a man sitting on a bench, wearing a particularly striking hat—something between explorer and artist. It had personality. So did he.
That’s how I met Harry Hermanzs Abbink.
Born and raised in Southwestern Ontario, Harry now calls Edmonton home. But on this day, he was back in the area visiting friends and reconnecting with a region that shaped much of who he is. We struck up a conversation, and within minutes, it became clear I wasn’t just chatting with just any individual —I was talking to a seasoned painter with decades of passion behind his brush.
Harry’s energy is warm and easygoing, the kind that makes you feel like you’ve known him longer than you have. As we talked, his stories wandered from early memories of rural Ontario to his life out west, where vast skies and changing seasons continue to inspire his work. Then, like a magician unveiling a secret, Harry reached into his backpack and pulled out a travel-size sketch book. It was filled with original watercolours studies —a personal gallery, tucked between two covers.
Page after page, the colours jumped out at me. His work is rich with movement and mood, each piece telling a quiet but powerful story. Faces, landscapes, moments in time—Harry paints not just what he sees, but what he feels. There’s an emotional honesty to his art that lingers long after you've looked away.
Harry has shown his work across Canada and abroad. His website, www.harryabbinkart.com, serves as an online gallery where viewers can browse his extensive portfolio. But even online, his art retains its intimacy. Each piece feels like a glimpse into something personal—an experience, an emotion, a fleeting thought made permanent.
“I think art gives people a place to pause,” Harry said. “It doesn’t always have to make sense right away. Sometimes it just makes you stop and feel something. And that’s enough.”
We talked for awhile before parting ways. What struck me most wasn’t just Harry’s talent, though that’s undeniable. It was his sense of wonder, his willingness to share, and his belief in the power of creativity to connect people.
In a world that often feels rushed and transactional, meeting someone like Harry is a reminder of the quieter things that matter—conversation, curiosity, beauty for its own sake.
So, if you ever find yourself strolling along the river and you spot a man in a bold hat with a twinkle in his eye, don’t be shy. Stop and say hello. You might just discover a story—and an artist—you’ll never forget.
** The image is of a recent painting that is relevant to the St. Clair River. It is taken from a reference photo provided by an old school friend living downstream near Port Lambton. The image is called "Red Buoy" and it depicts the SS Great Republic making its way upstream near Walpole Island.
"Humans of Sarnia" founder Art Connolly is a man fuelled by curiosity and a passion for connecting with people in Sarnia. Inspired by the renowned “Humans of New York” series, with a camera in hand, he captures the very essence of the individuals he encounters, preserving their stories through his lens. Follow his series on Instagram and Facebook.