RAE PERLIN, a woman who has created visual art, wrote essays, poetry and commentary since the 1930s is portrayed here in her own image. This, the first major book on the artist, is a cross between autobiography and biography in that the majority of the writing was done by the artist, and compiled and edited by author Marian Frances White.

The diverse and energetic character of Rae Perlin has been somewhat revealed in Perlin's solo exhibitions, but the peculiar nature of this woman has remained an enigma to most of us. Here, through her writings while in New York, Paris, Spain and England, and later at home in St.

John's, Newfoundland, we can take part in her artistic discovery as well as her self-discovery.

As is revealed here, there is much more to this entertaining woman than what she has painted. Her diaries and poetry draw the reader into her creative process. These writings depict a woman searching for a discipline to allow her to create with or without studio influences, tea or coffee?' For the first time we obtain insight into her daily concerns and hopes while also sharing the beauty of the visual art that transposed through the fog of the previous night."

After reading this book, you might agree that her life is her greatest creation ... a life nourished by her brush that in turn could not have existed without her insight into the scheme of things. Indeed it is a major accomplishment to hold this book about a woman who rarely agreed to interviews and who shunned a focus on herself.

The art and writing of Rae Perlin, an independent woman, is of interest to us for numerous reasons. For some it will be how she was able to travel and remain independent at a time when women artists were few and women who were not chattels of their husbands, even more rare. For others, it will be an historical documentation of an artist who continues to contribute to the arts community in diverse

ways.

Not A Still Life shares the wit, brilliance and art of one of Newfoundland's most distinguished artists.