Unity Bainbridge BREWSTER

BREWSTER, Unity Bainbridge
July 6, 1916 - November 30, 2017
Predeceased by her parents, Ursula Ridgeway, (sister) and husband Bob. Unity is survived by her daughter Deb Ryan (Rick) and sister Monica Reznick as well as grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Unity was a recipient of the Order of British Columbia acknowledging her contributions to the art world with her focus on our Province and its people, places and nature. Unity said "never paint from anything but real life whether it is a person or flower." That belief was a foundation block for her approach to art. She admired the Indigenous people and devoted much of her life to painting portraits of First Nations members, especially those from the Squamish Nation and those she befriended in the Lillooet and Seton Portage areas. She loved painting old churches and farm houses and had a special affinity for trees. Her two books, Lullaby of Lillooet and Songs of Seton, together with her limited edition cards and prints have found a place in thousands of homes around the globe. Unity refused to categorize her artistic style. She was an outstanding portraitist as well as being recognized for her landscapes. Despite her unwillingness to be "marketed", her work is in the permanent collection of many galleries such as Buckingham Palace, Imperial War Museum, Diefenbaker Museum, Vancouver Art Gallery and in the homes of the internationally acclaimed. At Unity's request there will be no service. However she would always encourage family, friends and strangers to hug a tree.