The Algonquin Park region has inspired a great many artists over the years – Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven being among the most obvious celebrants. In fact, the work of their group, also known as the Algonquin School, has helped to forever etch this area in our minds as the iconic Canadian landscape.
Their love of the area began what some consider to be the first genuine homegrown Canadian art movement. So it is understandable that, almost a century later, it remains a region that sits very comfortably in the centre of Canadian Art history.
It is a region that is truly unique and impressive. It is, frankly, the sort of place an artist could easily get lost.
The recent publication of The Artists of Algonquin, a project of passion for Harcourt, Ontario designer Andrea Hillo, is a testament to the enduring effect of the area. Inspired by a trip to the McMichael Gallery in Kleinburg, a gallery that boasts over 6,000 artworks by Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven, Hillo began a search for contemporary artists who take their cues from the Algonquin landscape.
She visited galleries, had many interviews and assembled a collection of names, that to her, best represented the work of artists who carry on this tradition. That search resulted in this book, a 31 artist collection meant to survey the more interesting and established artists in the area.
Hillo designed the book herself, and it is quite a rich, professionally done anthology strong with confidence and purpose. It is a very striking 72-page large full colour hardcover, a coffee table book, with the artwork front and centre.
Taking the boundaries of Haliburton County, Bancroft, Muskoka and Barry’s Bay as her guide, Hillo has assembled quite a tour of artists from the region. If one were inclined, it would be quite a day trip (or week trip) to head out visiting each of these artists’ studios.
Introduced by established artist Robert Bateman, the book offers a solid two-page spread for each artist, and is a cut above this sort of anthology in the quality of its reproductions. (This is a very important thing, especially with art books.)
The majority of the book, of course, is devoted to landscapes. And it is no surprise that a region celebrated for its natural beauty would inspire artists to prominently reproduce that beauty in representational works.
Muskoka artists are well represented. Bracebridge’s Carole Ann Thur is included, as well as the prolific artist, author, and art therapist Elke Scholz, also from Bracebridge. The elegant gouache paintings of Gravenhurst’s David Dawson, who makes part of his living in architectural rendering, are also especially nice.
The works of Muskoka photographer Andrew Collett and Rob Stimpson, painter and print maker Janet Stahle-Fraser and artist and art teacher Wendy Wallace are also featured in the book.
Hillo fortunately also offers some room for artists who take a bit more unusual approach to their subject, and because of their unique qualities these artists stand out. Artists such as Kevin Hockley, who worked as a taxidermist at the Royal Ontario Museum, shines with his dramatic animal sculptures. His Hockley Studios offers museum quality display work, and this professional background is brought into his more creative efforts.
Also impressive are the striking, almost folk art like, images of Pembroke and Muskoka, Ontario artist Mark Kulas. His colourful Norval Morrisseau inspired paintings provide a contrast to the bevy of traditional landscape reproduced within the pages. Kulas’ background as a graphic designer and illustrator lends a great deal of composition and punch to what might otherwise be standard designs.
Also interesting are the almost Fauvist-like works of Central Ontario artist John Lennard. His work appears as the Group of Seven with a tinge of psychedelic volume. Lennard’s education as an artist included trips to Europe to study the masters. But one wonders if the exciting work of the French “wild beasts” did not make an impression as well.
The textile work of artist Jane Selbie, whose methods of layering fabric to create intriguing landscapes, are also very interesting. They step beyond the picayune manner of many common landscape paintings to be dramatic, moody, and at times very vibrant.
Also a stand-out is the textile work of Catherine Timm. Through this interesting medium she manages to create very atmospheric images, many of which almost seem like etchings or simple coloured woodcuts. Her art cloths can include fabric or fibre, as well as paint, wire, paper, and beads.
If I have one beef it is Bateman’s inability to resist taking a swipe at “electronic screens” and their supposed effect on youth in his introduction. As a book lover and avid video gamer I can confidently testify to being able to place a solid three hours of video games and still deeply appreciate the regional beauty of my backyard. I even go out into the woods for walks.
Muskoka, along with Haliburton County and Algonquin Park, are truly some of the most beautiful regions in Canada. It is heartening to see projects such as this are being pursued. Not to mention, it is good knowing that artists still carry on the devoted traditions of the Algonquin School. Nothing bad can come from more people knowing about how beautiful it is here. And these works are very good ambassadors.
 

Jason Dickson
Muskoka Magazine