Podcast Summary: Stuff You Should Know – "The Group of Seven"

Episode Information:

• Title: The Group of Seven
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
• Release Date: May 27, 2025

Introduction to the Group of Seven

[01:10] Jerry:
The episode begins with Jerry introducing the topic: the Group of Seven, described as Canada's most famous art school. Unlike traditional schools, this was a collective of painters who worked and influenced each other to shape Canada’s artistic identity.

[01:26] Chuck:
Chuck humorously compares the Group of Seven to a "school of fish," emphasizing their collaborative nature but with paintbrushes instead of fins.

Formation and Early Influences

[02:02] Chuck:
He notes that while he hadn’t recognized the members by name, he had seen their artwork in museums. Jerry admits he initially wasn’t a fan of the 1920s-30s aesthetic but grew to appreciate the Group’s landscapes after deeper research.

[03:11] Jerry:
Jerry explains that the Group of Seven primarily focused on painting Canada's northern woodlands, somewhat neglecting the country’s coastlines and central prairies. This specific focus helped cement their unique style.

[04:35] Chuck:
The hosts discuss the Group's effort to forge a distinct Canadian identity, moving away from British influences. They mention the Group's formal formation in 1920 but highlight that many members were already acquainted through the 1910s.

Key Members and Their Contributions

[06:45] Jerry:
Jerry introduces Jeh McDonald as a pivotal figure, the oldest member who acted as a father figure. McDonald’s dedication to painting the wilderness was crucial, despite his frail health limiting his participation in excursions.

[08:18] Chuck:
Chuck references McDonald’s painting "Mist Fantasy," which notably appears in Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining, adding a pop culture connection to the discussion.

[09:09] Chuck:
Tom Thompson is introduced as a pre-group member who significantly influenced the Group by introducing them to the Canadian wilderness. Despite his untimely death at 39, Thompson left behind a substantial body of work that continues to impact Canadian art.

[11:45] Jerry:
Laurier Harris, another key member, is highlighted as possibly Canada’s first abstract painter. Harris's work, particularly "Mountain Forms," has fetched high prices at auctions and played a role in transitioning Canadian art towards modernism.

[17:09] Chuck:
Julian Harris’s influence is further discussed, noting his free-spirited nature and support for spiritualism, which intertwined with McDonald's transcendentalism, fostering an ethos of nature-inspired creativity within the Group.

[38:03] Chuck:
The summary covers Frederick Varley, another integral member who contributed significantly to war memorial art, reflecting the impact of World War I on the Group's activities and artistic direction.

[39:00] Jerry:
Frank Johnston is mentioned for his prolific output in watercolors and his contributions to the Group's early exhibitions.

[39:13] Chuck & Jerry:
Franklin Carmichael and Edwin Holgate are briefly touched upon, noting their unique styles and roles within the Group. Carmichael’s decorative sensibility and Holgate’s portraitist approach added diversity to the collective’s work.

Artistic Techniques and Exhibitions

[17:10] Jerry:
The hosts delve into the Group’s artistic process—sketching in the wilderness and translating these sketches into finished canvases. Tom Thompson’s adeptness at capturing transient light and atmosphere is particularly emphasized.

[26:23] Chuck:
Chuck praises the Group members' use of impasto technique, likening it to Van Gogh’s style, which adds texture and depth to their landscapes.

[34:25] Chuck:
The first official exhibition at the Art Gallery of Toronto in 1920 is discussed, noting initial critical reception and the subsequent rise in popularity. A notable quote from a critic describes some paintings as "the contents of a drunkard's stomach," highlighting the stark departure from traditional art.

[35:04] Jerry:
A.Y. Jackson’s personal struggles and eventual rise to prominence are covered, including his formal training in Europe and contributions during World War I.

Challenges and Evolution

[29:07] Chuck:
The episode touches on Tom Thompson’s mysterious death, exploring various theories, including accidental drowning and possible foul play. This event significantly impacted the Group, reinforcing their dedication to outdoor painting.

[32:39] Jerry:
Details about the Group’s innovative traveling studio—a refurbished boxcar outfitted with essential amenities—are shared. This mobile studio allowed the artists to paint in diverse and rugged locations like Algonquin Provincial Park.

[34:51] Jerry:
The expansion of the Group and the inclusion of other artists such as A.J. Casson and Edwin Holgate is discussed. The addition of Lemoyne Fitzgerald in 1932 is noted, although the Group disbanded shortly after in 1933 due to internal and external pressures.

Legacy and Impact

[44:30] Chuck:
The Group’s transition into the Canadian Group of Painters, expanding from 28 to 61 artists, is highlighted. This evolution included greater diversity, incorporating women and indigenous artists, though initial selections for silkscreen reproductions in the 1940s remained predominantly male and focused on northern landscapes.

[48:48] Jerry:
Arthur Lismer’s role in selecting artworks for silkscreen reproductions during World War II is emphasized, cementing the Group’s status in Canadian art. However, critiques are noted regarding the lack of representation for women and indigenous artists.

[50:10] Chuck:
The episode concludes by encouraging listeners to explore more about the Group of Seven through resources like thegroupof7ca and by appreciating the enduring impact of their bold, vibrant landscapes on Canada’s national identity.

Notable Quotes

• Jerry on National Identity:
  "The Group of Seven... started painting Canada's wilderness at a time when Canada was looking to develop its national identity." [04:35]

• Chuck on Artistic Technique:
  "I just really love the impasto technique... it's like Van Gogh's style with the brushstrokes." [26:23]

• Jerry on Exhibition Reception:
  "One describes some of the paintings as looking like the contents of a drunkard's stomach." [34:25]

• Chuck on Legacy:
  "The Group of Seven was disproportionately represented in Canada's National Gallery, making them synonymous with Canadian art." [48:48]

Conclusion

The episode "The Group of Seven" provides an in-depth exploration of one of Canada's most influential art collectives. Through engaging conversations between Chuck Bryant and Jerry, the podcast delves into the Group’s formation, key members, artistic techniques, challenges, and enduring legacy. Highlighting their role in shaping Canada’s national identity through bold and vibrant landscapes, the hosts offer listeners a comprehensive understanding of why the Group of Seven remains a cornerstone of Canadian art history.

For More Information:
Listeners are encouraged to visit thegroupof7ca.com for detailed biographies and collections of the Group's artwork.