06/01/2025
Maud Lewis was born Maud Kathleen Dowley on March 7, 1903, in South Ohio (just outside of Yarmouth), Nova Scotia.
She was one of three children born to John and Agnes Dowley. Maud lived with severe rheumatoid arthritis from a young age, which caused her pain and limited her mobility. Despite her physical limitations, she pursued her passion for painting.
She began painting as a child, encouraged by her mother, who was also artistic. Maud used inexpensive materials for her art, often painting on found objects such as scrap wood, cardboard, and even household items like bread boards and cookie sheets.
She lived most of her life in a small, one-room house in Marshalltown (just outside of Digby), Nova Scotia. She painted the interior and exterior of the house with colourful, whimsical designs, turning it into a work of art itself.
Maud Lewis passed away on July 30, 1970, at the age of 67. Despite her modest lifestyle and limited recognition during her lifetime, her art has continued to grow in popularity with many pieces making their way to galleries around the world.
She is celebrated as a symbol of resilience, creativity, and the power of art to transcend adversity. Her story has inspired books, films, and exhibitions, ensuring that her unique talent and spirit will be remembered for generations to come.