Born on October 18, 1952, in Whitehorse, Yukon, Wesley W. Bates studied painting and printmaking at Mount Allison University. He works full-time as a printmaker and letterpress printer under his own imprint at West Meadow Press in Clifford, Ontario. His wood-engraved prints have been exhibited widely and are held in public and private collections in Australia, Spain, Japan, England, the U.S.A. and Canada.
Bates has illustrated for major publishers in Canada and the United States and private presses in North America and England. He is the author of five books: POINT OF THE GRAVER and OUT OF THE DARK, published by The Porcupines Quill 1994 and 2022; IN BLACK & WHITE, published by Bird & Bull Press 2008; FLIGHT (a wordless poem ); published by West Meadow Press 2012. Bates also co-authored with Wendell Berry ROOTS TO THE EARTH poems by Berry with engravings by Bates, published by West Meadow Press 1978 - Larkspur Press 2016 - CounterPoint Press 2017 and with Robert Reid CASTING INTO MYSTERY, a book on Fly Fishing published by Porcupine’s Quill 2019
Bates was commissioned to engrave fourteen images for a documentary, LOOK & SEE; A Portrait of Wendell Berry, by Two Birds Film, Directed by Laura Dunn in 2016. Bates is working on a wordless graphic novel illustrated entirely with wood engravings.
Bates has taught printmaking and illustration at the Dundas Valley School of Art, Sheridan College, Woodstock Art Gallery, St. Michael’s Printshop, Vancouver Museum, Cincinnati School of Art, University of Lexington and Larkspur Press.
We are excited to have Wes with us this year at the Print Expo & Fair on September 28. Join us for this very special experience: Behind the Press with Wesley W. Bates. Printmaking Showcase, Discussion and Q&A.
Limited number of tickets will be available – secure yours today - HERE
