Emily Carr As I Knew Her

An intimate and heartwarming collection of memories that puts one of Canada's most beloved and iconic artists into a whole new light.

In 1916, Emily Carr wasn't famous. She was poor, and she taught art classes to children. One of her students was seven-year-old Carol Pearson. Pearson spent hours every day with Carr: they painted together at the water's edge, and she helped care for the dogs, birds, monkey and other animals that Carr kept as pets. They grew very close, and at the age of 14, Carol moved in with Carr. Emily nicknamed Carol Baboo,” and Carol called her Mom.” The two were mother-and-daughter” for twenty-five years, up until Carr passed away.

This touching tribute to Carr illustrates a gentleness and sensitivity not seen in other biographies. Originally published in 1954, this very unique biography reveals Carr's personality more fully than any other.

Carol Pearson first came to know Emily Carr when her parents enrolled her in art classes with the celebrated painter. Young Pearson soon became one of Carr's closest friends. Their intimate friendship lasted even after Pearson moved to Ontario in 1926. Pearson was a horsewoman and animal trainer, a skill she learned from Carr. She lived in Ontario until her death.