ALGONQUIN
Ted Dyke and William Reynolds.
Toronto, Oxford University Press, c1983.
Volume 12 Number 2
Algonquin by Reynolds and Dyke is an exquisitely handsome photographic essay on one of Canada's most beautiful parks. Although the lion's share of photographs belong to Reynolds (seventy-five of ninety-six works), his companion and close friend Ted Dyke complements this document with eleven outstanding portraits of nature. His forte, exhibited in four Group of Seven-like landscapes, colourplates 21, 40, 52, 72, express the quiet, yet powerfully mystic spirit of the Canadian Shield. William Reynolds is no amateur as demonstrated in his numerous exhibitions, commissions, awards, reviews, and his previous publication, Point Pelee.* He is a well-known naturalist and wildlife artist-photographer. His mastery of the craft is exhibited in beautifully composed Algonquin landscapes, flora, and wildlife photographs. His subject matter is carefully selected and arranged through the artist's eye that creates exquisite compositions of colour, detail, texture, and mood. The only criticism comes in the colour printing techniques used in some of the photos. Odd colourings of blue, purple, and red violet seem to question mother nature's authenticity. Colourplates 5, 12, 15, 60, 80, 81, and 91 are examples in which colour challenges the truth of the scene and seems to dominate its subject matter. On the other hand, the majority are superb with exceptional examples of lush colouring to natural delicate strokes of tranquility. Colourplates 1, 4, 8, 31, 34, 42, 70, 88 are all beautiful examples. Algonquin has an introduction by Chief Park Nationalist, Dan Strickland, ninety-six colourplates, map, and detailed captions that are brief descriptions outlining some geography of the area and giving detailed information on birds or animals, and identifying characteristics to appreciating plant life. All are carefully written and placed so as to complement the easy flow of the book. The overall effect is quite pleasant, and it will make an excellent addition to our libraries, coffee tables and photographic collectors. Recommended for all libraries. * Reviewed vol. X/l 1982 p.59. Ches Sulkowski, Annandale H. S., Tillsonburg, ON. |
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