Maud Lewis (1903-70) is one of Canada's most beloved folk art icons, known for painting natural motifs of her native Nova Scotia with plain lines and cheerful colors. Japanese audiences will get the opportunity to learn about the life of this self-taught artist when a new movie premieres on March 3.
The 2016 film, "Maudie" -- whose Japan title is "Shiawase no Enogu: Ai o Kaku Hito Maud Lewis" (Paint of happiness: Maud Lewis, the artist of love) -- is based on the true story of Maud (played by Sally Hawkins, currently an Academy Award nominee for "The Shape of Water"), who suffered degenerative rheumatoid arthritis from childhood. She decides to live on her own after her parents pass away and works as a live-in maid for a fish peddler named Everett (Ethan Hawke), who lives in seclusion in a desolate coastal area. The two eventually marry.
Maud fills their wooden shack with her pictures of butterflies and flowers. The two outcasts' love grows, as they live humbly with a small income from Maud's work while Everett does the housework.
Appreciation for Maud's works, which have a charming innocence, took off after her death. The couple's house was purchased by the eastern Canadian province of Nova Scotia in 1984 and is now on permanent display at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia in Halifax, the provincial capital.
A recently discovered painting by the artist was reportedly sold for 45,000 Canadian dollars (about 3.8 million yen) last year.
The 116-minute film, directed by Irish filmmaker Aisling Walsh, has won awards in Canada and is also currently nominated for this year's Canadian Screen Awards.
In addition, an exhibition about the film is currently being held at the Canadian Embassy in Minato Ward, Tokyo.
"Nova Scotia is proud to call her [Maud Lewis] our own," Premier Stephen McNeil says in a video message shown at the venue, addressing people who watch the film in Japan.
The exhibition also features a number of movie props, as well as a real cookie tin Maud painted, from the art gallery's collection. The event is open weekdays through March 13.
Facing the Atlantic Ocean, Nova Scotia has a dynamic maritime landscape dotted with peaceful coves, a motif of Maud's that is also shown in the film. "I encourage you to come and visit Nova Scotia," McNeil says. "Come and see Maud Lewis' home and paintings and experience all we have to offer for yourself."
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