The beauty of Vancouver Island deserves to be celebrated, and two local nature lovers have done so in an exceptional way.
So, if you’ve ever found yourself mesmerized by the rugged beauty and vibrant ecosystems of the island and its surrounding Gulf Islands, Dave and Kelly Hutchison’s new book, Vancouver Island: The Art of the Landscape, will be a must-have for your collection.
Officially hitting shelves on Saturday, February 15th, this labour of love spans over two decades, and stands as an invitation to explore the soul of the island through the lens of Dave, who’s a seasoned nature and wildlife photographer.
In an interview with Victoria Buzz, Dave shared that it was his best friend that introduced him to wildlife photography all those years ago, and that is what pushed him into this kind of work.
Dave spent the next 20 years capturing the raw beauty of the island, adding up to thousands of stunning images, but it wasn’t until 2023 that Dave started thinking about encapsulating them into one book.
“In the summer of 2023 I began choosing images by region on Vancouver Island that I felt would be good for the book,” Dave told Victoria Buzz.
“However, I did not know where to begin with the writing. Kelly offered to take on the challenge of writing the book, first beginning with the introduction.”
He added that Kelly expressed her love for research and writing non-fiction, and it had been a childhood dream of hers to work alongside nature photographers and writing for National Geographic—so the team effort was a win-win!
She began writing in January 2024, only taking a break when they had to sell their home and move. Around a year later, the book was complete.
“Many of the [selected] images changed and evolved as Kelly wrote the book, and in the end, we chose most of the images together.”
Dave underlined how challenging it was to keep the images at a reasonable number, as they had thousands and thousands of photos to sift through.
There are 150 full-colour images, capturing breathtaking views from the towering forests and sweeping coastlines to the intimate details of the island’s diverse flora and fauna.
Weaved throughout the book are personal stories behind the images, offering insights into favourite shooting locations, the island’s fascinating history and more.
When asked if Dave had a favourite image, he said that if he had to choose, it would be an image of Fairy Lake Tree called “Drop in Time,” which won a national award in 2020.
“My other favourites are the three whale breach images throughout the book. The Art of the Landscape includes both landscapes and wildlife,” he added.
To make it easy for readers to navigate the book, it’s divided into seven distinct geographical regions, each a treasure trove of visual inspiration and exploration:
- 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
“Not merely a collection of photographs, this book is a love letter, a tribute, to a place that has given us so much,” a quote from the book reads.
“Our book represents more than a moment captured in time—it reflects the islands’ enduring spirit, embodying what lingers in the heart, long after time has passed.”
The book will be available in bookstores in Victoria and across Vancouver Island.
Additionally, there are a few upcoming book signing events:
- Bolen Books, March 1st
- Mulberry Bush Book at Qualicum Beach, March 8th
- Indigo in Mayfair Mall, April 5th
- Volume One Books in Duncan, April 12th
- Sidney Public Library, April 26th
Immerse yourself in the incredible world of Vancouver Island, and let Dave and Kelly’s photography and words remind you of the immense beauty that surrounds us every day.
