Black Sheep Gallery Hi everyone.

As we in Nova Scotia gear up for a busy season, there is an air of excitement and anticipation that permeates the community. The province is set to host an exceptionally lively array of activities that are bound to captivate both locals and visitors alike. Among the anticipated events are a number of festivals celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the region, sumptuous lobster dinners, whale watching tours that offer a glimpse into the majestic marine life, delightful winery visits, and thrilling sailing events that highlight the province's maritime traditions. The charm and allure of Nova Scotia remain ever-present, promising an unforgettable and enriching experience for all who visit.

The month of June has flown by with remarkable swiftness, bringing with it the enchantment of the wedding season, which.has inspired us to introduce a selection of folk art pieces that beautifully depict wedding couples. Firstly, there is a well-dressed, blushing couple, captured by an unidentified artist, presumably hailing from the province of Ontario. The intricate details of this artwork reflect the elegance and grace of the couple, exuding a sense of joyous celebration.

Additionally, we are happy to showcase two unique carvings by the father and son duo, Tom (1908-2003) and Stanley Rector (1943-2020). Despite living on the same plot of land and influencing each other's work, both Tom and Stanley developed distinctive styles that set their creations apart. Tom's depiction of the groom appears almost defiant, with his hands tucked nonchalantly in his pockets, while his bride tenderly holds a small sprig of cloth flowers, sourced from either a fabric or craft store. On the other hand, Stanley's carving portrays a gentler couple, with the groom affectionately wrapping his arm around his new wife's waist, exuding warmth and tenderness in this intimate moment.

Among the notable artists featured in the gallery's collection is Donald Boudreau (1917-2000), who transitioned from being a fisher and lumberjack to a skilled carver. During the slow winter months, when business at his lumberyard would dwindle, Donald found solace in his art, honing his carving skills and creating impressive life-size figures. His works, which include the newly added grey goose, have garnered international acclaim and have been featured in the touring exhibition "Nova Scotia Folk Art: Canada's Cultural Heritage.".

Clement Belliveau (1926-1993), originating from Belliveau Cove, may not have achieved the same level of fame as Donald Boudreau, but his delicate bird carvings have been cherished additions to the gallery over the years. Among his creations, the goldfinch stands out as a testament to his meticulous craftsmanship.

Howard Jasper, an accountant hailing from the Waterloo area, developed a profound love for folk art that eventually led him to try his hand at carving. Specializing mainly in birds, Howard's fearless black crow, adorned with thumb tack eyes, is a credit to his creative ingenuity and is a valuable addition to any discerning collector's repertoire.

Elmer Eisnor (1915-2001), a Halifax native who worked as a shipper/receiver until his retirement, discovered his passion for carving around 1986. As an avid hunter, Elmer frequently encountered tree roots that resembled snakes during his woodland excursions. These intriguing findings inspired him to collect the finest roots and transform them into brightly coloured snake carvings. Occasionally, he would find a root that better suited a fish carving, showcasing his versatility and innovative spirit in the realm of folk art.

Cyril Hirtle (1918-2003), who lived in a house overlooking the breathtaking Hirtle's Beach, did not begin his artistic journey until he was in his early 70s. Cyril's body of work is estimated to comprise fewer than 100 paintings. His masterpieces, displayed in his sitting room, were created using a turntable invented by his nephew Kevin to facilitate his painting process. One of Cyril's rare and exceptional finds, The Lobster Fishers, has now been added to the gallery's collection. This work was originally purchased from Cindy Schultz, the owner of Wholly Mackerel.

Lastly, Bubby Mooers' (1925-2002) sea captain carvings have become a well-loved staple of his work. Each one a little different, he called them "Saltys". This month's featured captain, dressed in a bright yellow slicker, stands with hands tucked into his pockets and a furrowed brow, seemingly anticipating the potential for inclement weather on the sea. Bubby's work continues to resonate with admirers and collectors alike.

Be safe everyone.



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