Maud Lewis, a Canadian folk artist, is widely recognized for her enchanting paintings that portray rural life in Nova Scotia. Despite being born with physical disabilities and living in poverty for most of her life, Maud Lewis’ artistic contributions have left a lasting impact on the art world.
During the 1960s, Maud Lewis’ paintings garnered significant attention, and her work was exhibited throughout Canada. In recent years, her paintings have become highly coveted by art collectors worldwide, while her life story has served as an inspiration for artists and art enthusiasts alike.
In addition to her artistic achievements, Maud Lewis is remembered for her unbreakable spirit and optimistic outlook on life, despite the many challenges she faced.
Maud Lewis Daughter – Catherine Dowley
Catherine Dowley, the daughter of Maud Lewis, was born in 1938 with birth defects and later diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Despite her physical challenges, Catherine remained close to her mother and was frequently featured in Maud Lewis’ paintings.
After Maud Lewis’ passing in 1970, Catherine resided with her father and stepmother for many years. Despite her own health struggles, she was a passionate advocate for individuals with disabilities and was recognized for her kind and gentle nature.
Catherine wed Paul Muise in 1949 in Yarmouth County and eventually moved with him to Ontario. She passed away in 2016 at the age of 77, survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Catherine Dowley will always be remembered as the daughter of Maud Lewis, one of Canada’s most cherished folk artists, and for her own remarkable journey, despite the challenges she encountered.
Maud Lewis Family Details
Maud Lewis was born Maud Kathleen Dowley in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada, in 1903. She was the daughter of John Nelson Dowley and Agnes Gertrude Dowley. Maud had one brother, Charles Dowley.
Maud married Everett Lewis, a fish peddler, in 1938. They lived in a small house in Marshalltown, Nova Scotia, which Maud decorated with her whimsical paintings.
Everett passed away in 1979, and Maud died the year before, in 1970, at the age of 67.
Maud was also close to her niece, Cathy Allen, who often visited her and helped with household chores. Cathy’s daughter, Tammy Lewis, has become a guardian of Maud Lewis’ legacy and has written a book about her great-aunt’s life and work.
Maud’s artwork has become a treasured part of her family’s legacy, and her paintings are now held in collections in Canada and around the world.
Maud Lewis Wikipedia Bio
Maud Lewis was a Canadian folk artist who painted vibrant Nova Scotian rural life images. She was born in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, and suffered from several physical disabilities, including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and a facial deformity.
Despite her challenges, she developed a passion for art and taught herself how to paint with whatever materials she could find. She married Everett Lewis, a fish peddler, and moved into a tiny one-room house in Marshalltown. The house had no electricity or running water, but it became Maud’s canvas.
Lewis painted the walls, doors, windows, furniture, and even the stove with bright flowers, animals, and landscapes.
Maud sold her paintings for a few dollars each to tourists and locals who passed by her house.
Lewis gained recognition in the 1960s when she was featured in several newspapers and television shows. She also received commissions from the White House and the Government of Nova Scotia.
However, she never became wealthy from her art and lived a simple and humble life until she died in 1970.
Maud Lewis is now considered one of Canada’s most beloved folk artists. Her paintings are displayed in museums and galleries across the country and around the world.
Her house was restored and moved to the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia in Halifax, where it is open to the public. Her life story has inspired books, documentaries, and a feature film.
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FAQs
Does Maude Lewis have children?
She gave birth to daughter, Catherine Maud Dowley in 1928 but was told it was a boy and that he was dead.
Is Catherine Dowley still alive?
She passed away in 2016 at the age of 77, survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
What happened to Everett Lewis?
Maud’s husband Everett was killed in 1979 by a burglar during an attempted robbery of the house.
