Beloved local photographer mourned

Described as a kind and gentle soul, well-known local photographer Ute Wilder passed away on Friday, Dec. 18 at the age of 74.

According to her artist's profile featured on the Two Rivers Gallery website, Wilder came to Canada in 1966. She had lived in Prince George since 2003.

Wilder was a member of the Professional Photographers of Canada (PPOC) since 2008, receiving her Craftsman of Photographic Art in 2012 and Master of Photographic Art in 2014, in the categories of botanical, wildlife, nature, landscape and fine art, said the website.

Wilder's images are on display at Studio 2880 and the Two Rivers Gallery. Her images have won many awards and merits during many competitions, culminating in Wilder being named PPOC's top northern photographer in 2011, the website added.

"She certainly was a dear soul and as an artist Ute was an amazing person to work with," said Lisa Redpath, program manager at the Prince George Community Arts Council. "She was very creative and she was an amazing photographer."

Wilder was a dedicated volunteer working with the arts council whenever she was needed.

"Ute had her photography in our consignment shop and participated in every event that we had," said Redpath. "You could always count on her for not only her professionalism but for her kind and gentle soul and she is truly, deeply missed. Everybody loved her."

As part of her artist's statement on the Two Rivers website, Wilder wrote:

"I love being out in the natural environment, where the colours of the sky, the flowers, water or waves and the sand inspire me. In my photographic art I want to show nature as she changes in different light and seasons. It is important to me to capture the mood of each moment and pass on these emotions and feelings. The visual effects of my images are achieved in-camera, by deep understanding of photography with minimal post processing involved. I want to present each image in the most appealing way, may it be printed on canvas or fine art, cotton-bamboo or sugarcane papers."

According to her obituary, Wilder is survived by her children: Nicole (Gary) of Prince George, Stephanie (Steve) of Vanderhoof, and Kevin (Tammy) of Burnaby as well as three grandchildren: Elise, Philip and Jasmine. A celebration of her life takes place Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m. at Art Space, 1685 3rd Ave., above Books & Company.