A recent auction saw a painting featuring two black cats by Everett Lewis from Nova Scotia sell for approximately $18,000. Unlike the renowned Maud Lewis paintings that typically fetch high prices, there is a growing interest in the works of other Nova Scotian folk artists, leading to increased values for their pieces.
Despite Everett Lewis being more known for replicating his wife’s style, his original artworks are gaining recognition. At a Saint John auction, a painting by Everett Lewis initially priced at $4,500 ended up selling for $18,400. Ethan Miller, CEO of Miller & Miller, noted that while Everett Lewis may be controversial, collectors appreciate the charm and heartfelt nature of his creations.
This surge in value for Nova Scotian folk art reflects a broader trend in the art market. Recent auctions have seen pieces by artists like Joe Norris, a former fisherman turned painter, surpass expected selling prices significantly. The interest in folk art has been on the rise, with a Joe Norris painting selling for $23,600, well above its estimated value.
The spike in value for Nova Scotia folk art is attributed to various factors, including a notable auction in 2022 where a Maud Lewis painting sold for $350,000. This event, coupled with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, has brought increased attention to folk art as a source of light, optimism, and authenticity in a turbulent world.
Sarah Jones, co-owner of Jones Auction House, believes the growing fascination with folk art is driven by its stability as an investment and the ripple effect from the popularity of artists like Maud Lewis. Recent auctions have showcased the escalating value of works by Atlantic Canadian artists, such as a watercolor by David McKay from New Brunswick and a pastel by Mary Pratt from Newfoundland, selling for significantly higher amounts than their estimates.
Jones emphasizes the importance of recognizing and celebrating lesser-known artists alongside established figures in the Canadian art scene. The surge in value for Nova Scotia folk art reflects a broader trend of appreciation for regional artists and their unique contributions to the art world.