We are so proud of our upcoming hardcover book (224 pages) Vancouver Island: The Art of the Landscape. It has been a true labour of love, and we have sacrificed many things to complete it. Last year we sold the house, moved, created a publishing company, wrote the book, tirelessly working with an amazing book designer and editor. Everything within the book was carefully chosen from the front and back cover, its size, paper type and full colour photographs. “Not merely a collection of photographs, this book is a love letter, a tribute, to a place that has given us so much.”

When I was young, I loved to write non-fiction, reading and researching information about far off places, animals and people. My dream was to one day write alongside of a photographer for National Geographic. In my heart I felt that I would one day write a book, I just didn’t know when. Over the years I have studied many things including business (accounting), fine art, holistic nutrition, forest therapy and energy healing (Reiki & ThetaHealing®). I have many more books that are eagerly wanting to come through now and believe this book was the catalyst for me. I am so grateful for the opportunity to author a book alongside of my amazing husband Dave Hutchison. It is our hope that you love it as much as we do!

“Vancouver Island: The Art of the Landscape is a visual journey and celebration of this beautiful island and its adjacent Gulf Islands, as seen by nature and wildlife photographer Dave Hutchison. A twenty-year photographic journey, it is also a collaboration of two nature lovers, husband and wife, who together shared a vision: to create a pictorial fine art book, filled with beautiful scenic images, which both preserves and honours the landscape in time. The narrative is woven through Dave’s personal experiences, as he shares the stories behind his photos, offers tips on his favourite locations, and delves into the islands’ fascinating history. The book is organized into seven geographical regions for easy reference: Victoria, Sidney & The Saanich Peninsula; Cowichan & Carmanah Valleys, Nanaimo & Parksville; The Southern Gulf Islands; Sooke to Port Renfrew West Coast Corridor; Tofino, Ucluelet, Bamfield & Area; Comox Valley, Campbell River & Area; Northern Vancouver Island & Area. Featuring more than 150 full colour images capturing the islands’ diverse landscapes, flora, fauna, cityscapes and wildlife, this book invites readers to immerse themselves in its beauty.”

If you would like to order a signed copy for free delivery in the Greater Victoria area, or order from your local bookstore anywhere in Canada, visit the link below.

​https://www.davehutchisonphotography.com/vancouver-island-book.html

Book signings & events

​Bolen Books, Hillside Mall, Victoria, BC - Saturday, March 1, 1-3pm

Mulberry Bush Books, Qualicum Beach, BC - Saturday, March 8, 11-2pm

Indigo Mayfair Mall, Victoria, BC - Saturday, April 5, 12-3pm

Sidney Public Library, Resthaven Drive, Sidney, BC - Saturday, April 26, 2-4pm

Sit Spot at Botany Bay, Vancouver Island, BC

For as long as I can remember I imagined being a painter, however for some reason I just could not give myself permission to create. I remember in seventh grade admiring a boy named Trevor. He was such a great artist and made drawing look so easy. Trevor was always doodling and creating interesting characters on scrap paper. My silly beliefs about not being good enough or measuring up to his natural talent stopped me in my tracks.  I was too hard on myself and because of my perfectionist tendencies it was safer to not even try. Perhaps you can relate? 

Instead, I went on to study Business and Accounting even though in my heart I was more interested in art.  During this time however, I never stopped daydreaming about being an artist.  Fast forward, just before my 30th birthday I decided to take a leap of faith leaving my successful bookkeeping business and I went back to school fulltime, enrolling at the Fine Arts program at Langara College in Vancouver, BC. I graduated two years later with honours but not long afterwards gave birth to my son.  Motherhood and life responsibilities took over and I eventually stopped painting to focus on my new life.  The longer I waited to pick up a paint brush, the harder it became and I fell back into my old patterns of not feeling good enough—so why bother? Besides my son needed my attention and other household tasks took over.  At least that is what I told my self. This went on for another twenty years until the year of my 51st birthday.  It was Spring of 2020 and we were in the thick of Covid, stuck at home and life was filled with uncertainties.  I awoke one morning and this overwhelming feeling come over me— I felt the urge to ask myself the question: "if I were to die tomorrow, would I have any regrets?  Would I have done anything differently in my life?"  A very strong answer dropped in. Yes, I would regret not painting. Not giving myself a chance to become an artist. I felt this tremendous energy flow threw me and I knew that I had to finally try. 

Wasn’t it too late?  I was in my fifties and not that young anymore.  Besides it took years to build talent, right?  My mind wanted to tell me this, but I knew it was different this time. A few years earlier I had become a Certified Forest Therapy Guide through the ANFT.  I travelled to California and participated in a two-week program followed by a six month practicum upon return home. Part of the requirements was to create a regular sit spot practice.  It is very simple.  Find a spot in nature that calls to you, sit and do nothing.  Well, you aren’t really doing nothing.  As you sit, you are bathing all of your senses in nature.  I loved (and still do) the sound of the ocean waves, watching the ducks and the swans in the harbour, smelling the fresh clean air, feeling the sun and the wind on my face and allowing peace and calm to wash over me.  

​to be continued...

Sit Spot, Fulford Harbour Salt Spring Island, BC

Connecting with a tree, Mountain Road, Salt Spring Island, BC

Sit spot at Ruckle Park, Salt .Spring Island, BC Canada