Beaver Tales
Reid Diamond & Marnie Fleming

Throughout history the Beaver has been the source of both admiration and annoyance while always sustaining the imagination of artists. In Canada it has been seen as a picture of tradition and stability but the Beaver has also acted as a potent cultural signifier. The 15 artists presented here speak to characteristics of the Beaver in all its guises: as a symbol of engineering (Frank. O. Gehry, Komar and Melamid); as a concept of female mythology (Joyce Wieland); as a search for identity (Jin-me Yoon); as an integral part of the environment (Carl Skelton) and as muse and inspiration (Fastwurms). Fleming's essay provides an historical overview of the Beaver and its symbolic uses from the early days of Hudson's Bay Company through Expo 67 to contemporary merchandising. Diamond's essay looks at the works themselves. Accompanied by artists' statements.

Oakville Galleries (2001) 47 pages, 13 col. ill., 8x6.5 in. 0921027931 softcover $15.00 (Can./U.S.)

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Carl Skelton: Out Here
Andrew Hunter, Lisa Gabrielle Mark et al.

Relationships between the natural world and technology are a constant for the artist who over the years has created a singular sculptural oeuvre impregnated with the Canadian wildlife tradition. Three essays and a short story elaborate different facets of the work: its relationship to Inuit art; its place within the history of installation art; and the effects it has, as public art, on the viewer.

Kamloops Art Gallery (1999) 55 p., 10x8 in 24 col ill., 189549737x softcover $15.00 (Can./U.S.)

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