No matter if you are watching the tide flowing in or flowing out, the majesty of the Gulf of St. Lawrence is always breathtaking. Time seems to ebb and flow as you peer out into the distance at the gulf’s sparkling waters. It felt good to be back in Nova Scotia to enjoy our brief stop in Digby. Time to explore some of the unique sites and also a perfect spot to tuck into plate of the legendary Digby scallops in this beautiful town.
After rolling along the coast for a short while, we found ourselves rolling up a nicely kept dirt road in search of the replica home of Maud and Everitt Lewis. Maud Lewis is fondly remembered by Nova Scotians for her touching personal story and also as one of Canada’s most celebrated folk artists.
Maud was born in 1903 in the Yarmouth country region of the Province. From her first breath she faced significant personal challenges caused by birth defects. They stunted her growth, left her shoulders unnaturally sloped and her chin resting on her chest.
To help Maud overcome her shyness, her mother taught her how to paint which began with Christmas cards. which they would sell door to door to help earn a few precious dollars to supplement the family’s modest means.
In 1938, after Maud moved to Digby, she met a fish peddler named Everitt Lewis and the two married. They lived in their tiny house for the next three decades where Maud continued to paint on just about everything she could find – scallop shells, beach rocks, pieces of wood, and even on the outside walls of her tiny house.
This replica house was constructed and is maintained by Murray Ross. Murray was a young boy when he first met Maud and Everitt. He grew to be a close friend of the family and always marvelled at Maud’s unique ability to create such beautiful pieces of art. After Maud died in 1970, Murray built the replica house to keep Maud’s personal story and her stunning gifts of art alive for future generations.
Though she did not think of herself as an artist, Maud Lewis’ art is revered for their innocent beauty and hang in galleries and collections across North America and Europe. Her story is one of inspiration, heart and incredible spirit.
The pride in Digby is much more than just scallops. It is a delightful community that shines because of its friendly and hardworking people. If you are ever in the area, make sure to stop for a visit. And if someone just happens to offer you a plate of Digby scallops, just sit back and enjoy as you savour the sparkling tides before you.