Emily Carr: A True Canadian Icon

Emily Carr was a Canadian artist who was heavily inspired by the Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast. She adopted a modernist and post-impressionist painting style. Carr’s style accompanied by her Indigenous inspiration gave her paintings an idiosyncratic touch. Her unique paintings were sometimes beneficial and sometimes unfortunate to her. Emily Carr had an interesting life, created stunning pieces of art, and became a true Canadian icon. Emily Carr lived an interesting life. Emily Carr was born on 13 December 1871 in Victoria, B.C. to British immigrants. Although Carr did not have much previous artistic exposure, she still persuaded her guardians to let her go study art in San Francisco at the California School of Design.
These traits lead her to create amazing art. After Carr’s return from France, she made an ambitious six week trip to the north of the Queen Charlotte Islands and the Skeena River, where she documented the art of the Haida, Gitksan and Tsimshian. During this time Carr produced a number of paintings in her new French style. However, these works met a mixed reception and had limited sales. Finally, fifteen years later in 1927 Carr’s work was recognized and was included in a National Gallery of Canada exhibition. Famous painting of Emily Carr include “Big Raven” and “Zunoqua of the Cat Village” which are inspired by the indigenous peoples. Emily Carr is a true Canadian hero. Her paintings became well-known at a time when Aboriginal people were raising awareness and self-identifying themselves when their culture was considered moribund. Carr’s paintings gave exposure to the Aboriginal culture. She is a Canadian hero also because she paved her way into a well-known artist at a time where women faced overwhelming obstacles. Her astounding originality and strength made a her a symbol of the women’s movement. Emily Carr, through hard work, patience and uniqueness became a Canadian