John M. Horton: Mariner Artist.

Patricia Morley is a professor of English and Canadian Studies at
Concordia University, an associate fellow of the Simone de Beauvoir
Institute, and author of Margaret Laurence: The Long Journey Home.

This handsome art book in rich colour captures people and events on both sea and land. The paintings are shown in rich colour, while small sketches by Horton in black and white, along with a short text or photograph, are set in black opposite the coloured reproductions of Horton’s paintings. A short foreword by Rear Admiral Roger Girouardo, commander of maritime forces in the Pacific, justly calls Horton “a talented artist with a remarkable precision and attention to detail.” He credits Horton with capturing “the feel and energy of sailors doing sailor things—a rare talent indeed, and evidence of his true understanding of life at sea as well as a mastery of his craft.”

Vassilopoulos skilfully blends maritime history with British Columbia’s history and harbour activity. Voyages of discovery include those of captains James Cook and George Vancouver, focusing primarily on Captain Vancouver. Horton aims to re-establish Vancouver’s great achievements and his rightful place in history. A chapter on “Maritime Impressions” features paintings that document scenes and culture in British Columbia, including harbour activity, canneries, and shipyards along the Fraser River, and the transition from sailing ships to steamships. The chapter “Naval Reflections” features Horton’s contribution to military history during “Operation Apollo” in the Persian Gulf. Horton was appointed official naval war artist under the Canadian Artists’ Program, which was established in 1992.

Horton’s skill at blending history with art is impressive. The text, which appears deceptively brief thanks to full-colour photographs of both ships and scenery, is really substantial, and obviously thoroughly researched. A short biography of author Peter Vassilopoulos on the back cover helps readers to understand the extensive detail of the text. Vassilopoulos has been boating in the Pacific northwest for more than 30 years, and writes articles for Pacific Yachting magazine while continuing to cruise the waters of British Columbia and Puget Sound. Mariner Artist will be greatly enjoyed both by mariners and armchair dreamers whose opportunities to explore West Coast waterways have been slight or altogether lacking.