Eiko Jones’ photographs are on the walls in Berwick Campbell River, Berwick Qualicum Beach and here in Berwick Parksville. ·He also has some larger pieces in Berwick Nanaimo and Royal Oak. Chris recently did a Q&A interview with Eiko.
How did you first become interested in photography?
As a kid growing up in New Zealand I loved birds of all kinds. I got my first real camera at age fourteen on a trip to Australia so I could photograph the parrots.
How did you then progress to making it your career?
As an adult years later, I was getting back into Scuba diving and going on trips. My desire to join diving and photography started my professional journey.
Having grown up in NZ, was it your love of salmon that prompted your move to Campbell River? If not, how did you choose that location to live?
I grew up in New Zealand, but I was actually born in Canada. My parents were traveling and ended up working in the Yukon for a bit. I was born there in Whitehorse. I wanted to see what Canada was like, so I came after school. I ended up staying and Campbell River came to be where I lived.
You talk about coming home, now you are back in NZ, was it a move you had considered for a long time?
Yes. I had never intended to spend my whole adult life in Canada. So once my kids were independent, I returned to my land, my whenua. I still hold a strong connection to Campbell and Vancouver Island. My kids are there and have a lifetime of friends.
I know you have photographs on the walls in several Berwick locations; how did the first one happen?
I can’t remember how, but Tracy Higgins contacted me during the construction of Berwick by the Sea (Campbell River)
Chris Denford, owner of Berwick Retirement Communities, working with Tracy, said “We first hired Eiko for art installations in our Campbell River Berwick as he lived in the community, and we recognized his artistic abilities not just for land shots, but also underwater shots. His ability to capture the whimsical nature of seals and their facial expressions sealed the deal for me! (no pun intended!). We were so impressed that we have brought his work to additional Berwicks for our residents to enjoy.”
Eiko Jones describes himself as a film maker, adventurer and dad, who has lived and travelled in many places overseas, capturing the essence of diverse landscapes and the people among them. Recently, he made a big decision to return from living in Canada to the enchanting landscapes of New Zealand. He said “This homecoming is more than a personal journey; it’s a time of re-working my creative spirit and career amidst the unique beauty of Aotearoa. I feel like I am coming home to myself.”
Growing up amidst the dramatic and wild landscapes of Central Otago, his formative years were infused with the spirit of exploration and wonder. The diverse landscapes and wildlife left an indelible mark on his artistic sensibilities. At the age of fourteen he was shooting a slr camera, fascinated with capturing the unique birdlife of New Zealand.
His early photographic journey propelled him internationally, sea kayaking and traveling along the wild coastline of British Columbia and Alaska and eventually settling for many years on beautiful Vancouver Island.
Through artistic and dramatic imagery, his work became about drawing attention to the entire environment and watersheds, from the mountaintops all the way down, and into our vast, but fragile oceans. Particularly he focused on underwater imaging of the incredible life cycle of the Pacific salmon species, and the accompanying ecosystems around them.
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Eventually Eiko moved into cinematography and film making. He produced two independent documentaries, featuring salmon, one of which has won several awards in film festivals. He also worked as a natural history cinematographer on shoots for the BBC, National Geographic, and other production companies.
More recently he has been developing a calling and deeper interest in the human condition. I wanted to make a film about some aspect of mental health. He said “My teenage daughter faced struggles in her life, and I felt powerless to really help her at times. When she started skydiving in 2021, I began to chronicle the journey with my camera. Once I saw the profound impact it was having on her, I really felt compelled to tell this amazing story.” Thus, the idea for a short film began to take shape. It also inspired him to start learning this strange and exciting sport and the filming was done during this time. Being able to not only witness the progress and film it, but experience it himself firsthand, and bring it to life in the form of this emotional film has been one of the highlights of his filming career.
Fueled by a desire to reconnect with his roots and seek fresh inspiration, he returned to New Zealand, setting up his creative base in the land that first ignited his passion for photography. He adds “The allure of New Zealand’s landscapes and light now serves as both muse and backdrop for my evolving body of work. I am embarking on new projects that showcase the beauty and diversity of New Zealand’s rugged beauty along with the humans that call this land home.”