Maud Lewis
A look into her Nova Scotian art
Maud Lewis was born in Nova Scotia on March 7th, 1903. She first started selling her art by hand-drawing Christmas cards. This encouraged her to begin painting everything she could get her hands on. This included her home.
About Maud Lewis
Personal Life
Maud Lewis resorted to painting as a significant part of her income. The other income in her household came from her husband, Everett Lewis, who was a fish peddler. The reason Maud Lewis had to rely on painting for income is due to her medical issues. Lewis had severe arthritis in her hands and this stopped her from having other jobs.
Significance to Nova Scotia
Maud Lewis is one of the first examples of 'modern' folk art in Nova Scotia. She was able to make 'something from nothing'. She did not see having not a lot of money and medical issues as a disadvantage. As well, despite her 'disadvantages' and hard home life, Lewis continued to create bright, colourful, and 'feel good' art pieces of her surroundings in Nova Scotia. Some of her paintings and her home can be found in the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, located in Halifax. Prints of her paintings can also be found in almost any store on calendars, mugs, shirts, and frames.
Media Presence
In 2016 a movie called "Maudie" was released. This movie follows Maud Lewis' journey through life and how she began painting and becoming more prevalent in Nova Scotia.
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About the Website Creater
My name is Bridgette Hire. I'm currently a high school student in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia. I decided to join this virtual exchange to learn more about other communities in Canada. As well, to create new relationships and connections with peers my age who are also excited about Canada's towns, cities, and provinces. Through this exchange, I hope to help educate myself and others on what Canada has to offer for me and its people.
