Pamela Williams is an award-winning Canadian fine art photographer known for her haunting black and white portraits of romantic late 19th century cemetery sculptures, captured during her cemetery visits in Paris, Milan, Rome, Genoa, Vienna, Prague, Budapest and Havana.
Based in Toronto, Williams has exhibited across North America and Italy; and her work has appeared in several art journals. She’s also been known to give lively slide show lectures on her work; host workshops on creative photography; and has appeared on Fashion Television and shows like Canada AM, among others.
In addition to her own popular, critically-acclaimed series of cemetery sculpture photography books, including In the Midst of Angels, Last Kiss and Death Divine, her remarkable photographs have appeared on the book covers for Dust to Dust (Timothy Findley), Stone Angel (Margaret Laurence) and In the Wings (Carole Corbeil).
In addition to her photography, she published her first piece of memoir writing in 2019. Evelyn’s Stories is a collection of anecdotes based on stories her mother told her, with many taking place in Grey County, ON throughout the course of the 20th century.
(Photo credits: Pamela Williams)
What we like about this photographer
Looking at the details of light and shadow, the textures and surfaces of the sculptures Pamela Williams catches on film, the images are so life-like, as if they’re about to come alive at any moment. Often featuring angels and human figures, sometimes in a state of mourning, these monuments to the dearly departed are eerily beautiful and deeply melancholic – perfectly representing the art and style of that romantic era. They make you feel the love and the grief – a bittersweet remembrance of, and place to visit, a lost loved one.
We appreciate how she works with a traditional film camera and film developing processes, bringing her images to life in a dark room – and that she shares her work and perspectives through lectures and workshops on creative photography. But mostly, we love the haunting romance of her photographs. “Siren” is one of our favourites. (Written by C.M.)
Accessibility information: Please refer to the venue she’s exhibiting, lecturing or hosting a workshop in.
Ideas for where you can go from here:
- See Pamela Williams’ work.
- Buy her photographs and books of cemetery sculpture photographs.
- Check out her photography workshops and lectures, which she hosts by request.
We love photographers because they inspire you to see the world in a new way. Seeing the world in a new way allows you to gain a whole new perspective. Gaining a new perspective is part of the flourishing offline life Young W helps you discover: by exploring ART and the other 8 pillars of Arts & Letters, including those you may be hesitant to try.
Broken or out-of-date link? Let us know and we’ll fix it. Thanks for helping us keep the information on Young W up to date.
