Once Imagined
An Artist’s Journey Through Abandoned Places
(Mosaic Press)
(BUY the BOOK)
With a foreword by J. Patrick Boyer
Have you ever wondered about that old empty house or abandoned ruin? Who lived there and why did they leave? If the walls could talk, what would they say?
If only you could look inside…
Michelle Hendry takes you inside some fascinating houses, hotels and ruins from around the Muskoka region, many off limits to most of the world – private locations such as Sparrow Beach Lodge and Cooper’s Falls General Store. Gravenhurst is best known for it’s steamships, but in the late 1800’s it was the flashpoint for a very brief gold rush and the man who discovered the first nugget built a beautiful house that he would never live in.
Historical research and interviews with owners and past residents, many in their 80’s and 90’s, inspired the series of paintings accompanying this narrative tour through the history of each building.
The last several years have seen an explosion of urban and rural exploration. Michelle Hendry invites the reader on a unique journey with words and art, offering a glimpse into these forgotten places.
Reviews
Michelle captures the life and times of another time in very subtle and profound ways. I so very much enjoy the beauty of her art and the insights each of her works captures of life. ***** Michael H Ballard on Amazon.ca
What a delightful book! I love old things, especially houses. I also like to explore abandoned buildings and try to find ghost towns in my area to visit. The author went so far as to find the owners and previous owners and talk to them about these places. The stories were fascinating. Also, the paintings illustrating the places were hauntingly beautiful. I’d love a large painting for my own home. I highly recommend this book. The author’s voice is quiet and peaceful and loving. Her perspective on the places really added to my enjoyment.***** Shelby12 on Amazon.com
Beautiful images with complimentary prose make for a unique journey in Once Imagined, a captivating tribute to the houses, hotels and ruins of the Muskoka region. Michelle Hendry helps make history open up.***** Catherine Graham on Amazon.ca
Buy the Book
In Canada:
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On-line
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In Store:
- Veranda – 24 Manitoba Street, Bracebridge ON – Tel: 705-645-6451
- Auburn Gallery of Fine Art in Gravenhurst ON
In the U.S.
In the U.K. and the Rest of the World:
- Amazon.co.uk (U.K.)
- The Book Depository
- Or order direct from the publisher: Mosaic Press