My Portfolio

Elaine Victoria Clay
About the author
Researcher and author of The Incredible Adventures of Alexander Dawson Donaldson on Canada's WILD WEST COAST 1862-1909, The Oscar Scarf Story 1864-1949 Master Mariner and a Sooke Treasure, and the Bickerdike Family Story. Elaine is 5th generation of her family and has lived and worked on the coast of the awe-inspiring and spectacular Vancouver Island. Having studied art as a youth, Elaine continued her curriculum of art related programs that developed into post-secondary education in Architecture and Landscape Design, Drafting and Rendering at Camosun College in Victoria and a more formal education at the University of Victoria in Economics and Psychology. In more recent years she has followed her calling in wildlife and landscape photography and recording these true stories.

"While researching and writing about the life and accomplishments of Alexander Dawson Donaldson I found myself reliving his adventures as his spirit guided me through each chapter. Bringing Alexander's (my great-grandfather) history to life I developed a fervent interest for British Columbia's rich history which also brought about The Oscar Scarf Story. Marine towing has played a vital part in the evolution of water transport and an essential role in shipping. Oscar's friend, confident and employer James Dunsmuir was the man who brought Oscar Scarf from his buccaneering sealing fleet days into a career of marine navigational history.

​

FREELANCE WILDLIFE and LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHER                                    Western Coastal Images

Elaine Victoria Clay is a fifth generation Victoria resident who shares a deep appreciation for BC's magnificent landscapes, bountiful seas and diverse wildlife. Elaine holds all of the people who call British Columbia 'home' close to her heart.
Born on Vancouver Island her travels have taken her to the interior of beautiful British Columbia, West and Eastern Kootenays, Alberta and Washington State.  Surges Narrows, the tip of Haida Gwaii, Arran Rapids, Knight Inlet, Winter Harbour and circumnavigating Vancouver Island just to name a few coastal regions she has journeyed to.
Now author of 'The Incredible Adventures of Alexander Dawson Donaldson on Canada's WILD WEST COAST 1862-1909 ($22.99) and The Oscar Scarf Story 1864-1949 Master Mariner and a Sooke Treasure 1864-1949 ($11.99).
Reaching across time these two books provide a provocative, illuminating window of the tumultuous early days of the province when they witnessed the birth of the city. ​WILD WEST COAST can be purchased at Bolen Books, Russel Books, Munroe Books, Ivy's Books in Oak Bay, or contact me at my Facebook page.
Contact my email for ordering (shipping additional) elaineteazel@shaw.ca