Nova Scotia & Creative Reuse
Nova Scotia has a lively folk art tradition, and these artists make with what is available – often discarded items. They build upon a colorful, light-hearted folk art tradition made internationally famous by painter Maud Lewis. In today’s podcast, we’ll learn about creative reuse artists from Nova Scotia. The current generation of creative reuse artists are also contributing to new economic opportunities in communities across Nova Scotia.
You can listen to my podcast episode about Nova Scotia and creative reuse in this YouTube video. It originally aired in July 2017.
What makes Nova Scotian creative reuse different?
- the connection between creative reuse and folk art – with its optimistic, colorful aesthetic
- the quality of work particularly in the areas of rug hooking and whimsical wood carvings
- the sense of humor in many pieces
Your Activity Checklist Inspired by this Podcast
- Let me know about other creative reuse projects or artists from Nova Scotia so I can visit them next summer – trashmagination@gmail.com.
- Go see the movie Maudie and let me know what you think.
- Plan a trip to Nova Scotia!
Mom and me at Deanne Fitzpatrick’s studio, July 2008
Nova Scotia Rug Hooking Resources
Nova Scotia Creative Reuse Businesses
- Trainyard General Store – featuring many Nova Scotian artists
- Lunenberg Makery
- Kim Danio Studios – creative reuse of shoes
- Recover Journals
- Blue Cottage Rugs
- A Twist of Iron – metal fire pits from old propane tanks
- Sea Glass Designs
- ReLove – contemporary furniture combining barnboard and other woods
- Junkery – they recycle the items you don’t want anymore
- Assemblage – a cooperative of educators & artists who share reused materials
Location of makers – Trainyard General Store
Trainyard General Store, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
Andrew and Kate – folk art sculpture – Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
Mom & Nora with their painted angels from spindles
Murray Gallant – Folk Art Wood Carver from Nova Scotia
Show Details