Ted Harrison's Rainbow Road
a book by Jan Stirling
Ted Harrison was one of Canada's most beloved artists.
Jan Stirling is an accomplished pianist, composer, and musician.
This is the story of their unique friendship and creative collaboration.
Jan Stirling is an accomplished pianist, composer, and musician.
This is the story of their unique friendship and creative collaboration.
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Jan Stirling and Ted Harrison, the celebrated Canadian painter, met in 2007 and felt an immediate connection. Jan spent more and more time with him, oblivious of their age difference, always feeling his acceptance of her quirky, candid nature. As a jazz musician, she appreciated his ability to improvise with words, without fear of making a mistake. She would suggest a subject and then write down in shorthand what he had to say. Although never edited, these improvs were called poems. They showed that even as his physical freedom diminished, he had a very rich mental life.
After Ted passed on, Jan revisited these poems, writing about her experiences with him up to her final visit in January 2015, the last day Ted was conscious. Each chapter is interspersed with Ted’s poems. The book shows an intimate side of Ted that deepens our appreciation for his life and work. Ted Harrison's Rainbow Road is available on Amazon and can be ordered through your local bookstore |
“You know how sometimes you meet someone and you just click?” Jan Stirling’s relationship with Ted Harrison was as simple as that. Described by an early reviewer as a love story, what Ted Harrison’s Rainbow Road really does is show you how people can connect on the most elemental level. Once they’ve done that, their friendship can take them anywhere."
Read the full Press Release here
Read the full Press Release here
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Ted Harrison was an English-Canadian artist who is mostly known for his vivid painting of the Yukon. His love of the people and the land there brought him international acclaim. His distinct style, employing bright colours and whimsical scenes, appeals to all ages. Harrison also taught art in the public school system for several decades, inspiring countless students with his enthusiasm and wit.
Jan Stirling, ARCT, B.Mus. Arts, is an accomplished jazz pianist, composer, writer, and Sound Healer. She lives in Victoria B.C. and performs at the Empress Hotel, Butchart Gardens, Oswego Hotel and the Lieutenant Governor’s House as a soloist or in jazz ensemble configurations. |
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Reviews
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"Jan Stirling’s memoir of her friendship with Canadian artist Ted Harrison during the last years of his life is a warm commentary on an unlikely relationship that developed between the artist, then in his eighties, and the author, a talented musician, who was decades younger. It calls upon us to suspend our typical notion of male-female associations as the older man and younger woman explore many facets of life. She, a vivacious musician, he the contemplative philosopher share thoughts on family, marriage, happiness and friendship.
"Stirling used her experiences with Harrison as a framework on which to structure her deeply personal story. We learn about the inner life of the author, which reflects universal angst, through short chapters that end with reflections attributed to Harrison. "To say this work is purely memoir would be misleading as the author employs the license of creative non-fiction to re-create dialogue and scenerios between herself and Harrison, who was deceased at the time of writing. "While this work gives the reader an insider’s view of the eminent artist in his declining years, it more often gives us a window into the psyche of the woman who befriended him. This book will bring nostalgic pleasure to those who knew Ted Harrison as well as those who seek to better understand the artistic temperament of its author." - Katherine Gibson, author of Ted Harrison: Painting Paradise |
"Love permeates this book. Love in spite of hardship. Friendship love. Jan Stirling’s Ted Harrison’s Rainbow Road is a heartfelt account of the unique bond she formed with the famous Canadian artist Ted Harrison.
"Harrison was a distinguished visual artist and art educator who brought a colourful palette to landscapes of the Yukon. This book reveals a different, lesser known side of the artist, and introduces us to his close friend, the author Jan Stirling, with whom he shared a very special friendship.
"It’s not surprising the two found each other. Stirling is a seasoned jazz pianist, teacher and songwriter who dazzles with her presence, candour and generosity of spirit. Despite their age difference, they were instant kindred spirits. Stirling vividly and touchingly captures their relationship in this book as they meet regularly for walks, dinners, outings and public events, always parsing the mysteries, challenges and delights of life on planet earth. Being an improviser herself, Stirling was fascinated with Ted’s ability to talk off the cuff on any subject.
"Harrison was a distinguished visual artist and art educator who brought a colourful palette to landscapes of the Yukon. This book reveals a different, lesser known side of the artist, and introduces us to his close friend, the author Jan Stirling, with whom he shared a very special friendship.
"It’s not surprising the two found each other. Stirling is a seasoned jazz pianist, teacher and songwriter who dazzles with her presence, candour and generosity of spirit. Despite their age difference, they were instant kindred spirits. Stirling vividly and touchingly captures their relationship in this book as they meet regularly for walks, dinners, outings and public events, always parsing the mysteries, challenges and delights of life on planet earth. Being an improviser herself, Stirling was fascinated with Ted’s ability to talk off the cuff on any subject.
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"She started taking notes to record Harrison’s spontaneous poetic riffs and shares them here, along with background on what was happening in her own life at various points in the narrative and how Ted helped her with his insights.
"Harrison extemporizes on topics as far ranging as the developing universe, wasabi peas and Hiroshige, a journey into the afterlife, creativity, and life-lessons from pigs. His words resonate with humour, a love of philosophy and, despite the occasional misgivings, admiration for humankind. Stirling’s account allows us a unique glimpse into the artist as a man still vitally creative and downright funny into his eighties. Along the way, she reveals herself as an ever-curious artist and musician, interested in healing and creating connection in the world. This book is a tribute to a friendship that transcended the usual boundaries, and the final chapter is especially moving. As Ted himself would say, 'There are no fences around love.'" - Barbara Black, author of 'Music from a Strange Planet' |
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I have tears in my eyes as I write this note to you. I have just finished reading your book. I was OK until The Last Supper when your love, compassion, admiration, respect, and connection for Ted really came through. You were such a caring friend to him in the final chapter of his life. I could feel it all and it was so beautiful.
I was so impressed with how you captured Ted’s wit, creative abilities and passion in your writing. He was an outside of the box man. I am amazed at his ability to flow the poems so fluidly and effortlessly. His love of children and his inspiring and teaching them, was so evident. Long after his physical body had let him down, his mind was still crisp, even on your last visit with him. Incredible!
Your book is not only Ted Harrison’s Rainbow Road. It is also yours. It is quite an open and intimate sharing of the inner Jan Stirling - her interests, talents, and longing for deep heart connection with a mate. Finding that one to fully connect with, I think, is rare indeed. However, I have come to the conclusion that our time here on earth is a spiritual journey for growth. In my view, change and growth only comes via some experiences with pain whatever the variety. But it does leave us with unfulfilled desire and longing. I love what Kahlil Gibran says about love’s desires - “To be wounded by your own understanding of love.” And maybe it is not only our personal fulfillment that is meaningful, but the love we can extend to others to help them heal, be comforted and know they are worthy, appreciated, and valuable.
Btw, the piano music you play is absolutely my favourite; it fills me with such moving pleasure when I hear it.
Jan, you are a rare and very special woman. You exude warmth, openness, and honesty. As I said to you when I met with you, you have enriched my life, as I am certain you do for many others. I am so glad to have met you.
- Ron Garner
I was so impressed with how you captured Ted’s wit, creative abilities and passion in your writing. He was an outside of the box man. I am amazed at his ability to flow the poems so fluidly and effortlessly. His love of children and his inspiring and teaching them, was so evident. Long after his physical body had let him down, his mind was still crisp, even on your last visit with him. Incredible!
Your book is not only Ted Harrison’s Rainbow Road. It is also yours. It is quite an open and intimate sharing of the inner Jan Stirling - her interests, talents, and longing for deep heart connection with a mate. Finding that one to fully connect with, I think, is rare indeed. However, I have come to the conclusion that our time here on earth is a spiritual journey for growth. In my view, change and growth only comes via some experiences with pain whatever the variety. But it does leave us with unfulfilled desire and longing. I love what Kahlil Gibran says about love’s desires - “To be wounded by your own understanding of love.” And maybe it is not only our personal fulfillment that is meaningful, but the love we can extend to others to help them heal, be comforted and know they are worthy, appreciated, and valuable.
Btw, the piano music you play is absolutely my favourite; it fills me with such moving pleasure when I hear it.
Jan, you are a rare and very special woman. You exude warmth, openness, and honesty. As I said to you when I met with you, you have enriched my life, as I am certain you do for many others. I am so glad to have met you.
- Ron Garner
"Already read it and it's brilliant! Touching and whimsical." - E.D.
"Jan Stirling’s book describing her friendship with Ted Harrison is an amazing, life-affirming story. Her detailed descriptions of their trips and meetings for drinks, coffee, to hear music, or simply to chat are truly uplifting. Jan and Ted’s musings on varying moods of joy, laughter, sadness - life itself - that are experienced in a relationship between friends - are moving and profound. What a beautiful book!" - L.L.
"Your book is now number one on my list of favourite reads. Yogi Bhajan taught that when we become one with ourselves, our thoughts, words and actions will have no gaps; there will be no contradictions. We do not model ourselves after someone else; we are who we are ......... and that is you ..............a guru. For a small book, it is loaded with yogic philosophy. I bow to you my friend. Thank you for being you." - J.H.
"Started your book, can’t put it down, a real fun read!" - B.L.S.
"I have just finished reading the book. I am dazzled. I will be telling or writing you more of my thoughts and the level of my awe and appreciation for having you in my life and for your having brought Ted Harrison into it too. I truly love and admire you so much dear Jan. Thank you." - R.M.
"Read your book over the holidays, and I can't tell you how much I enjoyed it. You write with deep wisdom and great charm. It was such a pleasure to get to know Ted Harrison through your interactions with him and through his poems, but in truth I enjoyed your narrative even more. Thanks so much for your wonderful insights and for sharing your life experiences. Reading your book was such a treat!" - J.G.
"I just wanted to tell you that I enjoyed reading your book. It was wonderfully entertaining. It was an interesting portrait blend between biography and autobiography. It portrayed an integral link between two people’s lives, filling a niche for each person – an important balance. I have read a lot of bad memoirs - skimmed them - as a publisher - I found your writing style well worth my time - it was a pleasure to read. Thanks so much for sharing." - Richard Grove, writer, publisher and author of 16 titles, hiddenbrookpress.com
"Love your book.....the style reminded me Mitch Albom´s 'Tuesday’s With Morrie´" - V.T.
"After I finished the book, my cheeks wet with tears, I heard stirring downstairs. My family was waking. And there I sat, feeling elevated, shifted, changed in a way that a meaningful book, a unique work of art can change me. I more deeply felt the preciousness of my own life, and of the people I love. And I felt a wave of desire to make sure I love them in real ways, so that they feel it. Thank you Jan, for being you, and for creating your book. Thank you for being the unique, precious person that you are, and for sharing yourself so genuinely and generously. I love your book." - S.B.
"Jan Stirling’s book describing her friendship with Ted Harrison is an amazing, life-affirming story. Her detailed descriptions of their trips and meetings for drinks, coffee, to hear music, or simply to chat are truly uplifting. Jan and Ted’s musings on varying moods of joy, laughter, sadness - life itself - that are experienced in a relationship between friends - are moving and profound. What a beautiful book!" - L.L.
"Your book is now number one on my list of favourite reads. Yogi Bhajan taught that when we become one with ourselves, our thoughts, words and actions will have no gaps; there will be no contradictions. We do not model ourselves after someone else; we are who we are ......... and that is you ..............a guru. For a small book, it is loaded with yogic philosophy. I bow to you my friend. Thank you for being you." - J.H.
"Started your book, can’t put it down, a real fun read!" - B.L.S.
"I have just finished reading the book. I am dazzled. I will be telling or writing you more of my thoughts and the level of my awe and appreciation for having you in my life and for your having brought Ted Harrison into it too. I truly love and admire you so much dear Jan. Thank you." - R.M.
"Read your book over the holidays, and I can't tell you how much I enjoyed it. You write with deep wisdom and great charm. It was such a pleasure to get to know Ted Harrison through your interactions with him and through his poems, but in truth I enjoyed your narrative even more. Thanks so much for your wonderful insights and for sharing your life experiences. Reading your book was such a treat!" - J.G.
"I just wanted to tell you that I enjoyed reading your book. It was wonderfully entertaining. It was an interesting portrait blend between biography and autobiography. It portrayed an integral link between two people’s lives, filling a niche for each person – an important balance. I have read a lot of bad memoirs - skimmed them - as a publisher - I found your writing style well worth my time - it was a pleasure to read. Thanks so much for sharing." - Richard Grove, writer, publisher and author of 16 titles, hiddenbrookpress.com
"Love your book.....the style reminded me Mitch Albom´s 'Tuesday’s With Morrie´" - V.T.
"After I finished the book, my cheeks wet with tears, I heard stirring downstairs. My family was waking. And there I sat, feeling elevated, shifted, changed in a way that a meaningful book, a unique work of art can change me. I more deeply felt the preciousness of my own life, and of the people I love. And I felt a wave of desire to make sure I love them in real ways, so that they feel it. Thank you Jan, for being you, and for creating your book. Thank you for being the unique, precious person that you are, and for sharing yourself so genuinely and generously. I love your book." - S.B.