Art Gallery Of Nova Scotia: Maud Lewis Exhibit
The Maud Lewis exhibit at the Art Gallery Of Nova Scotia is an incredible look into the life of Maud, a talented Canadian artist know mostly for her whimsical and cheerful folk art. Whether you’ve heard of Maud Lewis before and know her story or maybe you’re only just learning about this unique Canadian artist, I highly recommend visiting the permanent exhibit at the Art Gallery Of Nova Scotia.
Maud Lewis Exhibit Halifax, NS
One thing that makes the Maud Lewis exhibit really stand out is that it doesn’t only include the art of Maud Lewis, it also includes her original house. Yes, the actual house that Maud and her husband Everett lived in.
This isn’t just any house. At first glance it’s a very small one room wood house with a small loft not many people would aspire to own. When you really start to look at the house you can feel yourself shift, or at least I did. Your mind goes from this being just the tiny house of a couple trying to make ends meet to a home full of character, joy, and optimism. A true real life example of the sayings “making the best of things” or “appreciating the simple things in life”.
Maud Lewis painted almost every corner of her home, both inside and out, with joyful things like flowers, butterflies, and birds. I predict this was her way of figuratively and literally looking on the bright side, enjoying the simple things and creating a space she loved being in.
The more you look at the house, the more you’ll begin to notice what seem like random ‘doodles’ of what Maud Lewis has become famous for in every nook and cranny in her house. The stairs, windows, dust pan and even the stove have a little whimsy added to them.
I predict the instruction “don’t draw on the walls” is a fairly common expectation and lesson most kids are taught. That’s what makes this house so unique. There’s something child-like and freeing about seeing Maud Lewis’ house painted the way it is and knowing she painted it this way as an adult.
Maybe it’s a little reminder that bringing joy into your space is more important than following the so-called ‘rules’ or worrying about what your neighbour will think? Maybe it’s also a reminder to lighten up a little bit? Either way, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the house and it got me thinking and reflecting on where I need to add a little more joy into my own space.
Along with Maud Lewis’ original house, the exhibit also includes over 50 paintings by Maud. It also includes paintings that her husband Everett started painting when Maud’s arthritis got really bad.
If you get a chance to visit the Maud Lewis exhibit at the Art Gallery Of Nova Scotia, I highly recommend it.
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