The Art of Emily Carr

by Doris Shadbolt

Flawless prose, splendid reproduction, handsome design–an apt showcase for the artist who painted some of Canada’s most magnificent paintings.

This book represents the culmination of Doris Shadbolt's long fascination with the work of Carr, a painter she views as one of the strongest and most individual of Canadian artists. It reflects more than a decade of meticulous research, and excerpts form Carr’s own prolific writings have been skillfully woven into the narrative, combining with exquisite reproductions of over 200 paintings, charcoals and drawings, two thirds of them in colour, almost all of them specially photographed for this book.

Never swallowed by the mainstream in art. Emily Carr remained extraordinarily loyal to her inner vision. The world she created lingers persuasively in the Canadian psyche.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Biography, Reference

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1979

Reviews

[Bookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had seen Carr's art before, but my interest was piqued after reading Louise Penny's A Brutal Telling, Her art has an ethereal feel to it while still feeling quite real. I learned a lot about the artist and her work, all of it fascinating. Even if you just look at the photographs, this is well worth checking out.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book that focuses on the progression and stages of Emily Carr's life as an artist. I particularly enjoyed how the book balances information about the artist with thoughtful and broad selections of her paintings.
The author is very detailed on the explanation of her painting styles to the point that I had to concentrate heavily on understanding the full meaning of her points.
Nonetheless the author has opened my eyes to Emily Carr's art so that I now appreciate it in a much deeper sense for its beauty and significance in the identity of Canadian art!

[Jane Fudger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first became aware of Emily Carr's work whist visiting an exhibition of her work whilst in Vancouver.. I bought this book at the time but it is only now that I have managed to read it. Much of the book is photographs of her work but there are mini biographies of her life which reflect the change of direction of her work.
I particularly enjoyed her paintings of the North West Indian tribes which are dark, thoughtful and awe inspiring. An excellent art book.

[Joann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the art of Emily Carr so was especially happy to read this book about her and her life. It is well worth reading and is a reminder of the struggle some women encountered in the pursuit of their art.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fast read but with a more extensive sampling of her paintings. I especially enjoyed reading about Emily Carr and her views about nature.

[Steve Hotka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

[Nicholas & Megan Clinch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“What I am after is out there in the woods — even sketches to me are canned food. I like it fresh. Carry it right home and use it.”

[Wendy Feltham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very well researched and well written book, filled with Emily Carr's life and art. I had never heard of this post-impressionist painter and writer from British Columbia until I started reading about Victoria in anticipation of a trip there. Emily Carr was the first artist to appreciate the art of the West Coast Native Americans, and to incorporate images of totem poles and other art into her own art. She was lonely in Victoria, far from the art worlds of Paris and even Toronto, in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and the way she lived her life was not accepted by local society. This book tells a fascinating story of the development of her art, and it's exciting to view the reproductions of such incredible paintings for the first time. I can't wait to visit her home/museum in Victoria and to see her paintings in the art museum there.

[drozda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once upon a time a collector purchased 108 of my paintings and introduced me to the work of Emily Carr. He gifted me with a small book containing small color plates of her work.
I've been a fan for decades and love this particular collection of recollections of her life and work.
She is a character who will inspire women artists by encouraging the wild spirit that makes for a rich and lively life.

[Mitzi Smyth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book. It was full of great information and really made me understand the troubles and issues Emily went through as an artist. I particularly understood her struggles as an artist and her isolation. Being a female artist is difficult trying to deal with societies expectations of what a female should and shouldn't do. At her time of development it must have been downright rebellious and crazy. Woman were given such shallow perimeters to live by back then. Good read.

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Became aware of Canadian artist Emily Carr (1871-1945) after reading "The Forest Lover" by Susan Vreeland. This 1979 book here is an oversized nonfiction art book that also contains Emily's story, which is important and fascinating. The many photos of her art reminds you of Picasso. Her story reminds you more of sad stories we hear about the American Indians being driven from their lands. Emily was a misfit in many ways who nevertheless stayed true to her calling.

[Shaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Large picture book, with brief but good history. Shows her works beginning with her younger years all the way up to the 1940s. Great intro, but still lacks my favorite sketch.