Prior to his move to Victoria, BC, James Emler was a significant force in the development of the photographic community in Vancouver. He was Head Instructor at Focal Point for six years, taught at Vancouver Photo Workshops, and became Department Head of Digital Photography at Vancouver Institute of Media Arts. He has been instrumental in helping to establish the careers of a number of former students both locally and internationally.
Despite serious health-related challenges, his commitment to photography has remained constant. For four years Emler lived on Gabriola Island, BC, and was an active participant in the local arts community, doing presentations, exhibitions, and photographic workshops. His published work spans both the commercial arena as well as fine art photographic publications. He is the author of numerous articles and two books on photography. Emler’s curatorial experience goes back to the early ’80s with the Floating Gallery in Winnipeg, the Exposure Gallery in Vancouver, and numerous student, group, and individual artist exhibitions.
His return to health signals a return to the life that he loves and precipitates a new focus on his love of photography, art, and teaching.
