Houses Made of Wood and Light, Book Launch – June 29, 2012

On June 29, 2012 Salt Spring Island resident Michele Dunkerley will discuss her book, Houses Made of Wood and Light – www.housesmadeofwoodandlight.com – at a reception at Gallery 8 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Gallery 8 is located at 3104-115 Fulford Ganges Road, Grace Point Square, Salt Spring Island, BC.

This stunningly illustrated volume about architect Hank Schubert features his work on Salt Spring Island. The beauty and character of the island shaped his work and in return Schubert helped the island forge its future. Dunkerley’ talk includes stories based on interviews with Schubart homeowners, members of his family and archival materials—including Shubart’s notes and drawings for many local projects. The event also features Christopher Macdonald, Professor of Architecture at the University of British Columbia.

The book traces the career of an architect who had a genius for finding the perfect site for a home and for integrating its design into a natural setting. His houses appear to be as native to the forest around it as the trees and rocks. Built of wood and glass, suffused with light, and oriented to views, these homes also exhibit a design philosophy that represented Schubart’s views—concern for the environment, use of local craftsmen and materials, and a commitment to working within a small but complex community.

While still in his teens, Schubart persuaded Frank Lloyd Wright to accept him as a Taliesin Fellow, and his year’s apprenticeship there instilled in him principles of designing in harmony with nature. Schubart’s professional career began in New York first as a draftsman and then to San Francisco as an architect. His career included a partnership with Howard Friedman, former chairman of the architecture department at the University of California at Berkeley. In 1968, Schubart moved his family to Canada. On Salt Spring Island he became the de facto community architect, designing more than 230 residential, commercial, educational, and religious projects.

Drawing lessons from his mentors over his decades on the island, he built an everyday architecture with his mastery of detail and inventiveness. In doing so, he helped define how the island could grow without losing its soul.

This event is being hosted in conjunction with Gallery 8. For copies of the book contact: Salt Spring Books www.saltspringbooks.com

Signed copies of the book will also be available at the event.

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