|
International Art Treasures Web Magazine November 2005 |
Emily Carr's Beacon Hill Park
British Columbia native Emily Carr is one of the most famous Canadian artists and authors. Her primary focus was the unique Native culture encouraged through her multiple trips to native villages. At first, unsurprisingly her non-traditional works were not well received and she left her easel for a period of time. Her interest was rekindled in 1927 when Carr met Lawren Harris, a member of the Group of Seven, in Ottawa. The Group knew better than anyone that painting landscapes scenes of the rugged Canadian nature was heavily criticized learned when they first began to exhibit together. One of the finest collections of Carr works can be found at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria (AGGV). The gallery recently received a gift of five Emily Carr paintings bringing their total Carr collection to 41. “These works bring a unique perspective on the artist’s home town,” states Gallery Education Manager Diana Brooks, ” as well as revealing Emily’s process at an early stage in her painting career. Some of them display a hint of the energy and dynamism of brushwork that we know is the signature of her mature work.” Each of the works can be traced directly from the artist to the Davies family who made the donation. Two were given as wedding gifts and the others were purchases from the artist during a time of need in Carr's life. "Because of the direct connection of my family with Emily, the meaning of the paintings was too important for these works to go to an auction house," says Mr. Davies. "It was always the intent of our family to give them to the Gallery and now we thought it was time." The donation was made in memory of the family members that were friends with Emily Carr and hope that this generous gift will bring the public attention back on one of the finest Canadian artists and the AGGV Carr collection. |
|
