Description

Artist Statement by Dustin Ferguson

South of Grande Prairie, off Highway 40, two rigs pierce the night—steel giants lit by floodlight and fire. Though they belong to the same company, they stand like rivals, each crew locked in silent competition. Strength, speed, endurance—these are the currencies of respect. And in this world, respect is earned, not given.

Duelling Drillers is a portrait of pride and pressure. Shot in the dead of night, the image captures the raw intensity of 24-hour drilling—where fatigue is ignored, and the only goal is bottom hole. The rigs are more than machines; they are extensions of the men who run them. Each bolt, each flare, each vibration speaks to the unspoken challenge: who will finish first, who will stand tallest, who will be remembered.

This photograph honors the culture of the patch—where resilience is forged in diesel and dust, and camaraderie is built through competition. It’s a tribute to the crews who push past limits, who chase depth with grit and precision, and who know that in this industry, the drill never sleeps.