We in British Columbia are so fortunate to live among a community of talented artists, photographers, makers and creators. This week, we’re paying tribute to all of their incredible work, and to the books capturing their stories! Check out this list of BC-published works on art and photography.
Art of the Northwest Coast: Second Edition by Aldona Jonaitis (Douglas & McIntyre)
An illustrated and informative compilation of Indigenous art in British Columbia. This volume captures the stories and history of Indigenous art from Puget Sound, to Haida Gwaii, to Alaska. In the revised second edition, a new chapter is added to showcase contemporary artists.
Gidal: The Unusual Friendship of Yosef Wosk and Tim Gidal, Letters and Photos by Alan Twigg (Douglas & McIntyre)
Nachum Tim Gidal was a Jewish pioneer of modern photojournalism born in Munich in 1909 who was able to travel interwar Europe and capture rare images of Polish Jews. Yosef Wosk is a rabbi, philanthropist, educator, author, scholar, community leader and prominent figure in the BC arts scene. This collection of their letters showcases the pair’s unlikely meeting and their unbreakable connection.
Alone Together: A Pandemic Photo Essay by Leah Hennel (Rocky Mountain Books)
Leah Hennel is an award-winning photojournalist whose work has appeared in the Globe and Mail, The Guardian, Maclean’s and CBC.ca. In this collection, she offers an intimate portfolio of photos documenting the impact of COVID-19 on life in Alberta during the pandemic.
The Science and Spirit of Seaweed: Discovering Food, Medicine and Purpose in the Kelp Forests of the Pacific Northwest by Amanda Swinimer (Harbour Publishing)
A beautiful, illustrated guide on everything you need to know about seaweed in the PNW! Amanda Swinimer has used her background as a marine biologist and her expertise on seaweed to curate an informative book full of stories, recipes, facts and uses related to seaweed.
The Three Bears and Goldilocks by Bee Waeland (Orca Book Publishers)
A classic story reimagined by a contemporary artist! Bee Waeland’s artistic style is influenced by modernist and art deco forms. Children will delight in the whimsical tale, and parents will appreciate the unique illustrations.
Pioneer Churches along the Gold Rush Trail: An Explorer’s Guide by Liz Bryan (Heritage House)
Journey to the Cariboo and explore BC’s historical gold rush trails through this fascinating collection of photographs by Liz Bryan. The collection highlights the nineteenth-century churches that were established as new settler communities came to the area, and their role in shaping the area.
So Much More Than Art: Indigenous Miniatures of the Pacific Northwest by Jack Davy (UBC Press)
Jack Davy is head curator at the Morley Gallery, London, UK. In So Much More Than Art, he uses case studies and conversations with contemporary Indigenous artists to offer a history of miniatures and their significance in Indigenous cultures.
Heroines Revisited by Lincoln Clarkes (Anvil Press)
A follow-up volume to his 2002 collection, Heroines: Photographs, Lincoln Clarkes’s Heroines Revisited features over 200 portraits of the women living and working in Vancouver’s downtown eastside to offer a nuanced glimpse into the community and lives of the women.
Ron Thom, Architect: The Life of a Creative Modernist by Adele Weder (Greystone Books)
Ron Thom is a legendary Canadian architect whose most famous buildings include Massey College, Trent University, the Shaw Festival Theatre and landmark houses across the city. This informative book offers a look into his life, inspiration and work.
E. J. Hughes: Canadian War Artist by Robert Amos (Touchwood Editions)
Robert Amos has received wide acclaim for his biographies of E. J. Hughes—one of Canada’s most prolific painters. In this third installment of the award-winning series, readers learn about the artist’s life and creative work during his time in war service in Ottawa, England, Wales and Alaska. Includes stunning prints!
Coming Fall, 2022!
Out of the Fire: Metalworkers along the Salish Sea by Pirjo Raits, photography by Dale Roth and Michele Ramberg (Heritage House)
A stunning collection of profiles on contemporary west coast artists who use metal in their craft. The book highlights 24 different artists, including sculptors, farriers, forgers, blacksmiths, jewellers, metalsmiths, weapon makers, welders and more!
The Creative Instigator’s Handbook: A DIY Guide to Making Social Change through Art by Leanne Prain (Arsenal Pulp Press)
Leanne Prain’s previous book, Yarn Bombing: The Art of Crochet & Knit Graffiti, explored the radical act of “knit graffiti”. In Prain’s latest book, she offers a guide for creatives on how to make impactful, socially engaged art projects.