Maud Lewis (1903–1970) was a Canadian folk artist renowned for her vibrant, cheerful paintings of rural Nova Scotia life. Born in South Ohio, Nova Scotia, she faced severe physical challenges due to juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, which limited her mobility and caused chronic pain. Despite these hardships, Lewis created a distinctive body of work characterized by bright colors, simple forms, and joyful depictions of animals, landscapes, and everyday scenes. Working from her tiny, one-room home, she painted on whatever surfaces were available, including wood, cardboard, and household items. Her art, initially sold for just a few dollars, gained widespread recognition after her death, becoming celebrated for its authenticity and optimism. Today, her paintings are highly valued, with some fetching significant sums at auction. Lewis’s life and work, marked by resilience and creativity, continue to inspire, with her legacy preserved in collections like the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia.
