The 11th day of our trip was really a “get-away” day, but we had some morning time to explore the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. To be specific– to see the Maud Lewis exhibit. Riding the bus, we had watched the movie “Maudie” and were inspired to see her exhibit. Here is the trailer:
Maud Lewis is a national treasure, an artist who suffered from childhood rheumatoid arthritis. Every painting was a suffering passion, as you can see from the video, which corresponds with documentary video we saw in the museum. If anything, her husband was more cruel than the movie “Maudie” allows him to be.
Maud Lewis, Marshalltown, Nova Scotia
Actual home of Maud Lewis in At Gallery of Nova Scotia
The museum moved and restored her home and exhibited it as a work of art. You can see the interior below. She covered everything with bright, colorful images. The dominance of her spirit over physical hardship and pain is stupefying.
Interior, Maud’s painting on every flat surface
Wood stove painting
Painting of Oxen in Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
The Bluenose II in Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
Outside surface of front door of Maud’s home.
We were inspired to leave the Maritimes with this amazing example of passion for expression and decoration that transformed a bleak life into a vibrant space.