Emily Carr: Rebel Artist

Nikki Tate-Stratton writes novels for pre-teens; her latest books are
Jessa Be Nimble, Rebel Be Quick; Raven’s Revenge; and Tarragon Island.

Drawing heavily on Carr’s own writings as well as biographies by Maria
Tippett and Paula Blanchard, Kate Braid presents the story of Emily
Carr’s life in a clear and approachable style.

Braid makes good use of such fiction techniques as dialogue and
flashbacks to bring her scenes to life. The biography is suitable for
good readers in Grades 5 and 6 and interesting enough for older
students. Children will particularly enjoy reading about Carr’s
childhood, her animals, her irascible nature, and her feisty
determination.

Braid explores Carr’s struggle for artistic acceptance, her
insecurities, and some of the key relationships she had with those (like
Lawren Harris) who helped her develop as an artist. Several
black-and-white archival photographs supplement the text. The book
concludes with a chronological list of key events in Carr’s life
(paralleled by a list of world events), a bibliography, and a detailed
index.

Though frequent references are made to various Emily Carr paintings
throughout the book, there are very few reproductions of her work. This
is the single biggest weakness in a biography that may well be a young
reader’s first introduction to the artist’s work. Even small,
black-and-white illustrations would have been helpful when Braid refers
to stylistic shifts at various points in Carr’s development as an
artist. Recommended.