Sketching Whales: A Journey of Art and Healing with Emily Carr
Graphic Novel
Written and Illustrated by P Jean Oliver
(currently sold out)

“My years in my little studio in the House of All Sorts, under Emily’s roof have been precious to
me. Having a safe, dedicated art space to work in has helped mature my growth as an artist,
and as a person. Every time I open that old wooden door with its solid skeleton key, I step into a
cheerful room of possibilities. I’ve been inspired by Emily’s presence here too, as if she’s just
stepped out of view around a corner. At times her fierce spirit speaks to me across time,
admonishing me to get to work! Her mentorship has been a gift to my work, and she has been a
muse since childhood. Her influence is such that when I once asked my landlord, and current
owner, Peter Willis, why did he open the room to an artist he barely knew, he said. ‘Because I
knew Emily would have liked it.’ I will always be grateful to the Willis family for so generously
making this possible.” – Jean Oliver, Victoria, BC, January 2026

Jean Oliver is a painter and writer with an art studio in Emily Carr’s “House of All Sorts” in
Victoria, BC. Jean was born and raised in Quebec, and came west in the 80’s, seeking the wild
trees and vistas that inspired her muse, Emily Carr. Her spirituality, like Emily’s, is found in a
deep connection with art and nature. Jean’s figurative-expressionism focuses on the
movement, mood, and vibrancy of land-or-sea-scape, be it wild, groomed, tilled or urban. Her
education, and professional background include decades in the commercial art biz, and
teaching art, English, and the humanities. She holds degrees in commercial art, creative writing,
and psychology. She calls herself a Fremily, a “friend of Emily”, and anyone else who loves our
Emily Carr.

Emily Carr wrote about her tenants in Hill House, the apartment building she designed and
owned, in her book, “The House of All Sorts”. It’s a poignant, at times hilarious autobiographical
account of her fifteen years as landlady, and owner. The building is also an integral piece of
Canadian identity that houses an important connection to the First Nation. On the attic ceiling
and walls are paintings by Carr of two (apparent) Kwaguilth Thunderbirds, each one edged by
Haida frogs. A National treasure the Willis family has helped save for posterity.

A chapter book for kids about a young Emily Carr discovering she likes to draw.
Available as an ebook: https://www.orcabook.com/Discovering-Emily

A chapter book that continues to follow a young Emily Carr as she grows into a creative teenager finding her way.
Available as an ebook: https://www.orcabook.com/Emilys-Dream-P2711

Emily Carr’s Attic by Diane Carmel Léger and Michael Léger