Welcome to Made In Canada Gifts
We provide distinctive Canadian made art, jewellery, gifts & décor
Shop online or at our two gift galleries in Canada's capital Ottawa
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One of Canada’s Great Artists: Maud Lewis
Maud Lewis, (March 7, 1903 – July 30, 1970) famously known as Canadian painter and folk artist from Marshalltown, Nova Scotia, Lewis became an inspiration around the globe as word spread and others heard about her “paintings for sale” sign at the edge of the road. Life was not easy for her but that never stopped her from exploring her passions of painting.
At a very young age, Lewis was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis that left her crippled and in pain. To distract from her daily struggles she spent countless hours playing with crayons in her parents’ home. Her condition only continued to worsen over the years but this didn’t stop her from picking up the paintbrush. Her paintings have become highly influential and continue to set a standard for traditional folk art today.
At first, her work was often overlooked and critiqued as simple, distinctively flat, or childlike. Her art style is a result of no real artistic training but instead comes from years of practice and commitment to her creations. The patterns and themes found repeating in her work presents what she knows and in fact are advanced, and highly developed. Her pieces often featured cats and animals, as well as scenic landscapes. The scenes depicted in Lewis’s work are full of bright colours, happiness, and life. She captures the essence of rural Nova Scotia and documents the daily changes of her basic life. She would often paint from her childhood memories or be influenced by the ever-changing imagery outside her little house window.
Her home, which was barely more than a shack, had no running water, plumbing or electricity. She spent most of her time occupying this small living space with her husband, Everett Lewis. They had met through an advert he had put out seeking a housekeeper, although later it was known that her husband did a majority of the house work because she was busy making art and paying the bills. Lewis was creative and often experimented with a variety of different surfaces to work on. She was resourceful and used what was available to her. Initially, she was only selling her work to friends, locals, and neighbours for 5 dollars a-piece to just barely scrape by, but within the last 5 years of her life, she became highly recognized and revered for her outstanding body of work.
You can now currently visit the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, where they have Lewis’ home on display and preserved, surrounded by a large collection of her original artworks. The name Maud Lewis has become a staple in Canadian folk art.
Some of her most famous and widely recognizable pieces include;
Maud Lewis, Three black cats, 1955.
Maud Lewis, Condon Lighthouse, 1958.
Maud Lewis, Spring Oxen, 1964.
Maud Lewis, Sleigh Ride over a Bridge, 1965.
Maud Lewis, Digby Harbour, 1958.
NEW & EXCITING MAUD LEWIS INSPIRED PRODUCTS!
Maud Lewis Colouring & Activity Book
Newly published by the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, this activity book features 30 whole pages of pictures to colour, crosswords, word searches, connect the –dots, and other fun activities inspired by the art of Maud Lewis. This book is intended for children between the ages of 3-10, although it could be suitable for any Maud Lewis art lover. Pull out the crayons and have some fun!
Maud Lewis Black Cats – Felt Kit
Get creative, roll up your sleeves with our do it yourself felt kit. The craft kit includes all the necessary quality supplies to “sew” together your felt cats, everything except for the scissors. Kit includes premium felt, floss, a sewing needle, and felting supplies for felting. These kits make gorgeous gifts or the perfect craft night idea with family and friends. Have fun learning how to make your very own black cats inspired by Maud Lewis’ famous black cat paintings.
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Maud Lewis Black Cat – Thinking of You Card & Kit
Create it yourself with some good thoughts inside. Nothing makes a card or gift more personal when you’ve made it yourself with love. Kits include all necessary materials for crafting a greeting card and a felt black cat ornament, inspire by Maud Lewis. Kit contains premium felt, floss, sewing needle, pattern, and easy to follow along instructions. Kit does not include scissors. These kits make perfect gifts or fun for all craft activity days. Get crafting!
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