TouchWood Editions is pleased to announce that E. J. Hughes Paints Vancouver Island—the acclaimed biography of the solitary and beloved BC artist, written by Robert Amos—has been shortlisted for the BC Book Prizes’ Bill Duthie Booksellers’ Choice Award. The announcement was made March 20.
E. J. Hughes Paints Vancouver Island debuted at #4 on the BC Bestsellers list—as compiled by the ABPBC, based on data gathered from more than 70 independent booksellers in bc—in May 2018. The book has maintained a position on the list for 43 consecutive weeks, including 21 weeks in the top five, and was the #5 BC Bestseller for 2018.
In 1993, Amos, a longtime fan of Hughes’ work, was delighted to receive a phone call from Hughes’ “biographer, friend, and chauffeur,” Pat Salmon, who invited Amos and his wife, painter and author Sarah Amos, to have lunch with the artist. This meeting led to an acquaintanceship and mutual respect between Amos and Hughes. In 2013, Amos was asked to take over as Hughes’ biographer, and was given Salmon’s extensive selection of notes, photographs, interviews, and images. E. J. Hughes Paints Vancouver Island highlights more than 100 of Hughes’ finest works depicting the island, and represents Amos’ first step in sharing the life and work of one of British Columbia’s most recognized artists.
According to the BC Book Prizes, the Bill Duthie Booksellers’ Choice Award is presented to the author and publisher of the book that demonstrates the most success vis-à-vis public appeal, initiative, design, production, and content. The winner is determined by the ballot votes of bc and Yukon booksellers.
E. J. Hughes Paints Vancouver Island was shortlisted alongside 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act by Bob Joseph, Mamaskatch by Darrel J. McLeod, Murder by Milkshake by Eve Lazarus, and One Eagle Soaring by Robert Budd and Roy Henry Vickers. The winners for this and six other awards will be announced at the BC Book Prizes Gala on Saturday, May 11 at the Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront in Vancouver.
For more information about Robert Amos and E. J. Hughes Paints Vancouver Island, visit touchwoodeditions.com. To view the full list of shortlisted authors, visit bcbookprizes.ca.
Praise for E. J. Hughes Paints Vancouver Island
“With enthusiasm and delight, Robert Amos has written a superb account of the artist’s life and art, replete with observations and anecdotes that enhance our understanding of Hughes’ paintings and his love for the landscapes and life of Vancouver Island.” —Charles C. Hill, Curator of Canadian Art, National Gallery of Canada (1980–2014)
“This book is essential reading for all who love the work of this singular artist; it provides a wealth of new information and new images, and provides deep insight into the life and work of one of our most important painters.” —Ian Thom, Senior Curator, Vancouver Art Gallery