‘Arbutus Island Sunset‘ – 2018 – 20″x20″ – acrylic on canvas
Located in the Pasley Islands, BC, Arbutus Island is (in my opinion) one of the most perfect little islands in Howe Sound. Tucked away alongside Hermit and protected from the harsh southwestern surf Arbutus is connected to the larger island at low tide by a pebbly spit. With a small sandy beach on one side and a rocky cove on the other Arbutus boasts everything wonderful about our rugged west coast but on a much smaller scale.
Nearly covered in Douglas Fir, Coastal Western Hemlock and Pacific Arbutus the island is a haven for native vegetation. Deer make their way back and forth to this small island by way of the land spit and are sometimes even seen swimming longer distances from island to island for more foraging opportunities. Different types of birds include, but are not limited to, locally common species such as Bald Eagle, Great Blue Heron, Cormorants and Raven. Shoreline beaches are in some spots white with crushed oyster shell possibly indicating a shell midden in the area. The islands have been used by Coast Salish people for more than 10,000 years while in more recent history local Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Shíshálh peoples utilized the area for summer foraging. Arbutus Island is privately owned so no overnight camping is permitted however day use is ok, making it an ideal spot to pause for a quick rest during your Pasley Island tour. If you are lucky enough to catch it at sunset you might find this little island will become one of your favorite spots too.
‘Arbutus Island Sunset’ – 2018 – 20″x20″ – acrylic on canvas – sold
