Emily Carr and Friends Sculpture

Photo credit - Ruth Hartnup @ flickr

In front of Heffel Fine Art Auction House in Vancouver stands a colored bronze statue of the renowned Canadian artist Emily Carr with her friends – her dog Billie, her monkey Woo, and her horse. Unveiled in 2005, The statue was commissioned by Heffel Fine Art Auction House and created by the Canadian sculptor Joe Fafard (1942-2019).

Emily Carr (1871-1945) was born in Victoria, British Columbia. At 19, she relocated to the US to study art at the California School of Design in San Francisco and later continued her education in London and Paris. Over time, Carr developed her signature painting style by using a vibrant color palette. In her late 20s, she began to travel on her horse with her companions, her monkey, and dog, to the First Nations villages on the Canadian West Coast, painting its people and nature.

Over time, Carr began to receive recognition for her work, but only at 56 years old did Carr have her first exhibition at the National Gallery, followed by exhibits in Europe and the US, gaining the reputation of a significant Canadian artist.

Ill health caused by numerous heart attacks and a stroke prevented her from traveling and painting across the country, and she turned to writing. In 1941, at 70, Carr published her first book, followed by five more within four years. She died at 74.

Three hours drive from the statue is Emily Carr House. It is a museum housed in the home she grew up in. On display are several of her original artifacts like the family bible, her belongings, and her art.

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2247 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3G1, Canada

 

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