Maude Lewis
Maude Lewis was a Canadian folk artist known for her brightly colored paintings of rural life and nature. Born in 1903 in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, Lewis lived with a physical disability that made it difficult for her to walk or use her hands. Despite these challenges, she developed a passion for painting and became one of Canada's most beloved artists.
Lewis began painting at a young age, using materials such as cardboard and other found objects as canvases. She developed a unique style characterized by bold, vibrant colors and simple, whimsical compositions. Her paintings often depicted rural scenes, such as farmhouses, animals, and landscapes, and were inspired by her love of nature and her life in rural Nova Scotia.
Lewis's art gained recognition in the 1960s, when a collector discovered her work and began selling it in galleries throughout Canada. Despite her newfound success, Lewis remained humble and continued to live a simple life, selling her paintings for only a few dollars each.
Today, Lewis's art is celebrated for its unique vision of rural life and its bright, joyful colors. Her work has been featured in numerous exhibitions and is included in the collections of major art galleries throughout Canada.
In addition to her artistic achievements, Lewis is also remembered for her perseverance in the face of adversity. Despite her physical challenges and a difficult life, she found joy and beauty in the world around her and expressed this through her art. Her story is a testament to the power of creativity and the human spirit, and continues to inspire people of all ages today.
In conclusion, Maude Lewis was a Canadian folk artist whose vibrant paintings of rural life and nature continue to captivate audiences today. Her unique style and joyful approach to art have made her one of Canada's most beloved artists, and her story is a testament to the power of creativity and perseverance. Lewis's legacy lives on, inspiring new generations of artists and art lovers alike.
When we started our artist study, we spoke about Maud and the challenges she faced with her disability. She had a hard time using her hands and walking, but that didn't stop Maud from creating beautiful paintings that depicted bright and joyful scenes. Just because someone looks different from us, doesn't mean they have to live a different life, they can also express creativity and create something beautiful. Studying artists like Maud Lewis is one of the many ways we're looking to celebrate diversity at Maple Tree to create a more inclusive community inside and outside our school walls.
To start our Maud Lewis adventure, we chose to depict a classic Nova Scotia scene: the clock tower at Citadel Hill.
Children traced the shape of the clock tower, and added the small details such as windows, doors and of course the clock. We added beautiful bright colours just like Maud.
