About

Paul Gilbert is an author, curator, art director and grandfather. In 1965, he started high school in Robert Bateman’s home room class. He studied art under Bateman for five years before going on to acquire a BFA from Mount Allison University. He and Robert Bateman have maintained a lifelong friendship. In 2010, Paul became the first Executive Director of the Bateman Centre & Foundation in Victoria, BC. He first met Bristol Foster in 1987. They became close friends and remain so to today. 

Robert Bateman is arguably Canada’s most beloved artist. Born and raised in Toronto, he pursued a career in teaching immediately after this adventure, all the while painting and musing about a life in art. In 1963, while at an exhibition of the work of Andrew Wyeth, Bateman had an epiphany fully realizing that his love of the particularity of nature and his art were completely compatible. Within ten years, Bateman’s work was in demand around the world. Within 20 years, he had published best-selling books of his work and was an international celebrity. Robert Bateman was awarded the Order of Canada. 

Bristol Foster grew up in downtown Toronto one of three siblings. He holds a Masters in Biology from the University of Toronto and a PH.D from the University of British Columbia. He taught large mammal biology at Nairobi University before returning to Canada to head up the Royal BC Museum. The museum as it stands today is largely the product of his leadership. Bristol went on to head a special commission in BC setting aside millions of hectares of critical ecological reserves. He is a widely respected biologist and conservationist.

The author would like to extend special thanks to the many people who supported the development of this book. In particular, Luybava Erko who assisted with research; Bill Weaver who documented much of Robert Bateman’s years on Saltspring Island in videos and photographs; Kate Brotchie and Alex Fischer – Bob’s tireless and generous staff; Birgit Bateman and the Bateman clan; David Drake, Bristol’s stepson who helped with image processing and kind encouragement. Thanks go also to my family especially my dear partner Nancy who supported this project when it made no sense at all.
And to my reviewers: my friend and hero, Wade Davis; my new friend Ross King; the wonderful Meg Beckel (daughter of Will Beckel check out Chapter 9); my old friend David Chambers who encouraged me to restrain my enthusiasm to one book. I’m sure I’ve forgotten somebody – whoever it is, they have my love.