“Ride the Mystery Ship in your own way, and sail into each new day” – Dean Cote

Dean has traveled along many paths in search of new experiences and opportunities. Each path has offered its own unique influences. Fueled by a constant need to explore his surroundings, a camera lens and film has been the tool of choice for documenting the journey. Dean feels- “his passion for photography has emerged from being submerged in a truly inspiring natural setting.”

Since being born in a small farm community in the Eastern Townships of Southern Quebec, Dean has slowly migrated toward the west. The corporate business opportunities realised from working in downtown Vancouver, plus the supernatural environment of British Columbia was a perfect excuse to head straight for Whistler after university.

“Go West, paradise is there, you will have all that you can eat of milk and honey over there” – San Andreas Fault, Natalie Merchant

While settling into the carnival atmosphere of life in Whistler, a defining moment brought cause for change in Dean’s fateful path. One day, a kind gentlemen handed Dean a old leather camera bag and said, “have fun”. Inside the bag was an old Pentax Asahi camera with three pristine lenses. The broad scope of images Dean has produced since getting his first camera is proof that he has been having fun ever since.

Along with the mountains, it was capitalist urges that brought the young commerce graduate to Whistler. Ironically, the culture of Whistler has re-awakened deep lying artistic urges. Being referred to as an artist does not sit well with Dean. In his mind the photography is only a glimpse of something much more comprehensive. Dean vision for WhistlerValley.com is now the overriding focus of his artistic endeavors.

“It always amazes me, the will of instinct.” - Nevermind, Kurt Cobain

Much of Dean’s work focuses on producing content in a unique manner while trying to build an emotional and spiritual component into each piece. “I want the work to provide you with more than what you see everyday.” Influences are drawn from his youth (studied art as a kid – particularly the lines of the renaissance), the local first nations (regular participation in sweat lodge ceremony), periodic gallery visits, and friends and family.

Future goals include publishing a book series featuring Whistler through his photography. On that note, Dean’s next greatest challenge is to put words to his images. The next time you see Dean out in the backcountry, or in the village, with a stern look on his face you will know his mind is spinning. He is sure to be thinking about his next mission…

“What strange sweet thoughts come to you in the mountain solitudes.”
- Lonesome Traveler, Jack Kerouac