A Time of Change Painting and Photos by Bern Will Brown
PhotographerPainterFilmmaker
 

An Artist’s Eye

Bern Will Brown’s photographs are mainly documentary in nature. He was recording what he saw on his travels, partly because he realized that this fascinating way of life was disappearing. However, many of his photos show a true artistic flair. Bern was quick to recognize and use the rich light of the north in many portraits and community photos. He was not deterred by cold weather and took many great photos under what could only be described as difficult photographic conditions. In later years, his photos helped him to remember scenes he would paint. Many of these photos are themselves works of art that can easily stand alone. A classic example of this is the photo and painting called “Margaret’s Huskies”. The photo is included in this section while the painting may be seen in the introductory panel.

Religious Life | An Artist's Eye | On the Land | Community Life

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A dog team on the spring ice. Fort Norman (Tulita), NWT(1949). (N-2001-002-7173)
"Enaqueen" and friend tanning hides. Fort Franklin (Deline) NWT, 1950.
   
Cecile Modest standing in doorway.  Fort Franklin (Deline) NWT, 1950.  
Johnny and Alice Neyelle and children. Fort Franklin (Deline) NWT, 1959.
   
A woman smoking a hide. Nahanni Butte, NWT, 1961.    Margaret Brown and her huskies. Colville Lake, NWT.
   
Traveling across the lake into the sun. Camsell Portage, Saskatchewan, 1953.
 

Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada