Nova Scotia Folk Art: A Tradition of Storytelling in Wood and Paint

Nova Scotia has long been home to a thriving folk art tradition—one that embodies the province’s rugged landscapes, deep maritime history, and the unique perspectives of self-taught artists. From whimsical wooden carvings of animals and fishing boats to vibrant paintings of coastal life, Nova Scotia folk art is a dynamic and expressive form that has gained national and international recognition.

What is Nova Scotia Folk Art?

Folk art is created by self-taught artists, often using materials readily available in their communities. It is not constrained by formal artistic traditions but instead reflects the personal vision and lived experiences of its makers.

Key Characteristics of Nova Scotia Folk Art:

• Hand-carved wooden figures and sculptures
• Bold, colorful paintings with simplified forms
• Whimsical, sometimes humorous depictions of rural life
• Dioramas and three-dimensional scenes capturing storytelling traditions

Because many folk artists did not train formally, their work often emphasizes emotion, narrative, and charm over technical precision. This is part of what makes folk art so compelling—it is raw, direct, and deeply personal.

Types of Nova Scotia Folk Art

1. Wooden Carvings

Wood carving is one of the most celebrated forms of folk art in Nova Scotia. Artists often use locally sourced wood (like pine or driftwood) to create sculptures of birds, fish, farm animals, and human figures. These carvings are often painted in bright colors and emphasize exaggerated, stylized forms rather than realism.

Notable carving artists:

• Bradford Naugler – Known for his playful animal carvings and painted furniture.
• Craig Naugler – Creates bold, exaggerated bird and animal sculptures.
• JM Poirier – Famed for his lively spotted pigs, mermaids, and fishermen that capture the spirit of coastal life.

2. Paintings

Many Nova Scotia folk artists also work in painting, using bright colors and flattened perspectives to depict coastal life, fishing villages, animals, and nature.

Notable painting artists:

• Maud Lewis – The most famous Nova Scotia folk artist, known for her joyful, brightly colored paintings of horses, oxen, flowers, and winter scenes.
• Barry Colpitts – His works capture rural Nova Scotia’s fishing communities with humor and warmth.
• Scott Higgins – Paints whimsical interpretations of small-town life in the Maritimes, often with exaggerated characters and storytelling elements.

3. Dioramas & Storytelling Scenes

A diorama is a three-dimensional scene, usually made from wood and hand-painted, that tells a story or captures an everyday moment.

Notable diorama artists:

• Scott Higgins – His dioramas depict scenes of rural work and life, such as a lumberjack stacking firewood or fishermen at sea.
• Kevin Roach (Ontario) – Known for his humorous, fishing-themed dioramas, including fish-shaped furniture and storytelling scenes of lakeside life.

Major Themes in Nova Scotia Folk Art

Nova Scotia’s folk artists often draw inspiration from their daily lives and surroundings. Some common themes include:

• Fishing & Maritime Culture – Boats, fishermen, lighthouses, and ocean scenes dominate many works.
• Wildlife & Farm Animals – Birds, fish, oxen, and horses are frequently depicted in both carvings and paintings.
• Humor & Whimsy – Many folk artists inject humor into their work, playing with proportions and storytelling elements.
• Community & Everyday Life – Scenes of rural life, small-town shops, and social gatherings are a staple of the tradition.

The Nova Scotia Folk Art Festival

One of the biggest celebrations of folk art in Canada is the Nova Scotia Folk Art Festival, held annually in Lunenburg. This event showcases both established and emerging folk artists, allowing collectors to meet the artists, purchase original works, and experience the energy of the folk art movement firsthand.

Why Collect Nova Scotia Folk Art?

Nova Scotia folk art is more than just decoration—it is a reflection of the people and culture of the Maritimes. Whether it’s a hand-carved rooster, a painting of a fishing village, or a lively diorama, each piece tells a story and preserves a unique artistic tradition.

Reasons to Collect Folk Art:

• Authenticity – Every piece is a reflection of the artist’s life and vision.
• Handcrafted – Unlike mass-produced art, folk art is made by hand, ensuring no two pieces are exactly alike.
• Affordable & Accessible – Compared to fine art, folk art is often more affordable, making it an excellent entry point for new collectors.
• Cultural Significance – Owning a piece of Nova Scotia folk art means owning a piece of Canadian history and heritage.

Final Thoughts

Nova Scotia folk art is vibrant, joyful, and full of character. Whether you are a seasoned collector or just beginning your journey, folk art is an accessible and rewarding way to connect with the stories and traditions of the Maritimes.

Interested in starting or expanding your collection? Browse our latest folk art carvings, paintings, and dioramas at [Your Gallery Name]!