“She was cut off from everything, except what was inside her.”
― Art commentator, describing folk artist Maud Lewis
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I watched a movie called Maudie (twice!) just before Christmas and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thought about it ever since. Have you seen it? It’s a biopic about one of Canada’s most beloved folk artists: Maud Lewis.
Maud was born with multiple birth defects and suffered with crippling arthritis, and although using her hands became increasingly more difficult, her passion for painting only seemed to intensify with age.
Starting in her mid-30s, and shortly after she married a gruff fish peddler by the name of Everett, she chose to capture the sunny side of life in the Maritimes, and out of physical hardship and extreme poverty, came the most joyous artwork imaginable. Every scene was vibrantly colorful and unabashedly cheerful, and for decades she sold paintings of flowers, fields, cats, birds and harbors from their tiny 10×12 shack.
After I finished the movie, I wondered what became of Maud and Everett’s little house. A quick Google search revealed that the house fell into disrepair following Maud and Everett’s deaths, but members of the community came together to preserve it. I was so relieved to learn that it was removed from its original plot and taken to the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia where it remains as a permanent exhibit.
Maud and Everett Lewis’ home in the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
Interior of the Lewis’ home at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
Meanwhile, about four miles away from the actual plot, a replica has been erected.
It was built by Murray Ross, a retired fisherman from Seabrook, as a personal project on his own property. Murray met Maud Lewis when he was 10 years old. His aunt and uncle lived in a house just across the street from hers at the time.
Murray Ross’ replica house
He even replicated Everett’s shop out back:
A third memorial house now stands in the exact location where the Lewis’ house once stood. It’s made of steel (to convey the somber reality of Maud’s life) and is surrounded by colorful gardens to suggest her childlike vision of the world. The site includes a colorful perennial garden, picnic table and benches, and three interpretive panels: one featuring Maud’s story and art legacy, a second about the restoration and conservation of her original home, and a third about the steel replica memorial. Architect Brian MacKay-Lyons created the installation, and it looks so warm when illuminated from inside at night. He also suggested that at some time in the future, an alternate variation might include a sculpture of Maud in her chair in the window.
Maud Lewis Memorial House
I felt especially inspired by Maud’s story as an artist because, before I started blogging, I made my living selling my folk art. Etsy wasn’t around back then, but I sold countless colorful paintings of animals and landscapes on eBay, and I would tote suitcases full of my work to any art festival that would have me. I may have mentioned this in a previous post, but one of my fondest memories from that time period was when I was accepted into the (juried) Catalina Art Festival in California. Imagine my surprise when every single one of my (30) paintings sold within the first hour of the first day of the 3-day show! My mom and Kevin were there with me (it was the first time they had met) and because my art sold so quickly, we got to spend the rest of the trip relaxing and exploring Catalina. Merrily, merrily, merrily… 🙂
Have you seen any amazing movies lately? Must-watch recommendations appreciated in the comments section below!
Layla
What an interesting article about Maud. I will have to see if I can find the movie. Thank you for sharing.
Oh Layla..
What a glorious story and I will look for this movie. Oh how beautiful was the joy in her face, overshadowing any crippling that would keep her bound. To me , an illustration of God’s great intimate grace.
Thank you for sharing this! Seeing as I am in Canada, perhaps I can make it out to visit , and what a wonderful neighbor to build a honoring remembrance to her , you know that anyone who would go to such an effort must have been quite fond of them. Beautiful
I am pretty sure some of the paintings are on the stamps I bought around Christmas time
Oh I’d love to see this movie Layla…was it on Netflix? Thanks and blessings!
Available for rent on Amazon Prime. Free on Hulu. I’m going to watch it today!!
I have not seen the movie but after reading your post am going to watch it. Also, would love to see some of your artwork Layla, sounds so neat!
Lovely, I’ll check your recommendation out, for sue!
As for me, I’ve been bing watching “Larkrise to Candleford” on Amazon video/ Britbox..
I’ve see the whole series before but keep going back .. just love books and movies of Historical fiction.
Thanks so much for sharing! I miss your Instagram scrolls!
I would love to see some of those paintings you sold. You should do a blog post on them sometime.
Just watched The Dig on Netflix. Amazing.
I have to watch this! I had no idea that you were a folk artist too. I ‘ve been painting and selling folkart on Etsy and used to sell on eBay for several years too. I’ve taught folk art since 1980 and stopped teaching after 9/11 because we lost my mother in law to cancer the same day the towers came down and my father also had cancer. I still sell on Etsy and hope to do so for many more years. Thanks for the tip about this movie!
Thank you for sharing. What a wonderful story!
I saw it many years back but might have to watch it again very soon!
Oh how I loved this. thank you for sending this.
Yes, I also saw the movie twice on cable. Loved it! Just so beautiful.
I too would love to see this sweet movie. Ok my gosh you must start painting and selling your folk art! It seems it was very well received. Maudie is your inspiration and your talent can be someone’s joy!
We recently watched the 2020 Disney film, “Safety” – twice! It is such a good story. It even kept our 4 grandkids, ages 9 to 15 engaged. Have a tissue handy!
Thank you for sharing Maude Lewis’ story! I look forward to learning more about her and her art.
You would love the movie Mully on Amazon. It is also a true story.
If you enjoyed this movie you will love the new book by Carol Bruneau called “Brighten the Corner Where You Are: A Novel Inspired by the Life Of Maud Lewis.”
I am reading this book now and loving it!
Oh how wonderful to read that Maud’s work has been memorialized, Layla. Can’t wait to watch the movie! Netflix? Prime?
I’ve been to Nova Scotia many times “cruising” New England/Canada…..with Stops on Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia. (Halifax, Boston, Newport, RI) Been to Elizabeth Maud Montgomery of Anne of Green Gables home and her grave site. Next time (if cruises ever open up again, I’ll have to make it a point to visit this Maud’s home and find her painting in the museum.
I liked “The Dig”….based on True Story (a fave), h how wonderful to read that Maud’s work has been memorialized, Layla. Can’t wait to watch the movie! Netflix? Prime?
I’ve been to Nova Scotia many times “cruising” New England/Canada…..with Stops on Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia. Been to Elizabeth Maud Montgomery of Anne of Green Gables home and her grave site. Next time (if cruises ever open up again, I’ll have to make it a point to visit this Maud’s home and find her painting in the museum.
I liked “The Dig”….based on True Story (a fave),
Thank you for staying in touch with us, Layla. Your writings, experiences are such a pleasure to read!
Sorry. Don’t know how the comment below now/ or up above this got repeated like that! Ugh. I’d change it if I could but apparently no editing after “sent”.😥
I think I want to move in! The house and the artwork are completely charming, as is Maudie’s smile. Where do we find the movie?
Not a movie …. but we are LOVING the new PBS version of All Creatures Great and Small. It’s gently humorous and kind-hearted and ohhhhh the scenery ….
We just watched “I Care A lot” on Netflix and thought it was well-acted, though the subject will leave you quite angry as it’s about a woman con artist (not based on a true story). Lately, we’ve been more into series than movies, so I can’t think of any other movies I’d recommend ATM. I will definitely check out Maudie. Thanks for the rec. By the way, I miss your blogs. I’ve given up on social media for the time being…too much negativity…I have a lot less anxiety.
I have very much enjoyed the movies that you recommend. Dear Hubby and I watched Maudie this past weekend and we both were moved by it. Thank you!
Because of your post, I watched this last night. What a great movie! Scenery was incredible. I’ll dive back into Instagram to try to find the movie recommendations you made late last year. Maybe you’ve been doing it for a long time (I’m pretty new to Instagram).
I love your blog. Will look this movie up, and this wonderful lady!
Your an artist!? Wait–what? I somehow missed that, I can totally see it though. PLEASE share some of your work. How did you go from that being a full time thing to not doing it anymore? I’m so fascinated and curious please do a follow up post!
saw Maudie and loved it, Just watched Greater on Netflix, which was also excellent!