Marilyn Jones | Emily Carr Chronicler

Emily Carr and Mark Tobey: A Friendship That Crossed Borders and Changed an Artist

Published: 6 July, 2026
Written by Marilyn Jones

In the story of Emily Carr’s artistic development, much attention has been given to her relationship with members of the Group of Seven, particularly Lawren Harris. Yet other friendships—ones that began just across the border in Seattle—were equally important in helping Carr find confidence in her mature artistic voice. That friendship was with Seattle artists, Ambrose and Viola Patterson and in particular Mark Tobey. Read more: Emily Carr and…

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Emily Carr and Myfanwy Pavelic: A Lifelong Artistic Friendship

Published: 23 June, 2026
Written by Marilyn Jones

Born in Victoria in 1916, Myfanwy Pavelic — born Myfanwy Spencer, daughter of Spencer’s Department Store owner David Spencer — formed one of the most significant artistic relationships of her life with Emily Carr. The two met when Myfanwy was just six years old, and Carr was 45, beginning a friendship and mentorship that would shape the young artist’s creative future. Carr immediately recognized Myfanwy’s talent and encouraged her artistic ambitions at…

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Emily Carr in Ucluelet: The Journey That Sparked a Lifetime of Exploration

Published: 9 June, 2026
Written by Marilyn Jones

In 1899, Emily Carr ventured to Ucluelet on Vancouver Island’s rugged west coast to visit her missionary sister Elizabeth at a Presbyterian mission. During her stay, she began sketching Indigenous villages, carved house posts, and the surrounding landscape. These early drawings marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to documenting the cultures and scenery of the Pacific Northwest. Read more: Emily Carr and Mark Tobey: A Friendship That Crossed…

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