David Blackwood: Master Printmaker

Nikki Tate-Stratton writes novels for preteens; her latest books are
Jo’s Triumph; Jessa Be Nimble, Rebel Be Quick; Raven’s Revenge; and
Tarragon Island.

David Blackwood’s sympathetic and insightful images of a Newfoundland
that no longer exists are haunting and beautiful. This fine volume
showcases Blackwood’s etchings and pays tribute to an artist of
international stature who has never turned his back on the ordinary
people, places, and events of his Newfoundland birthplace.

The book opens with a gracious note of appreciation by Annie Proulx.
The balance of the volume is divided into six sections, each of which
begins with a thoughtful introduction by William Gough and includes a
series of fine-quality color reproductions of Blackwood’s evocative
etchings. Gough is familiar both with his subject, the artist, and with
the social, historical, and anthropological background that provides
inspiration for Blackwood’s work.

Gough weaves tales of the fishers, newlyweds, grandmothers, and sea
captains of Newfoundland with stories of the artist’s Newfoundland.
Biographical information blends seamlessly with observations of another
time and place, and these stories and historical notes are then
illuminated by Blackwood’s art.

Browsing through these images and reading about ice floes, mummers, and
forcible relocation, one simultaneously feels a melancholy sadness for a
time lost and a sense of delight that these images, stories, and people
have been captured forever in such a wondrous manner.

David Blackwood also contributes a series of working proofs for a print
entitled Portrait of Heber Fifield as a Great Mummer, as well as a brief
description of the etching process. This provides a glimpse into the way
the printmaker works. In the end, though, the mysterious transformation
of story and memory into a work of art remains as enigmatic and elusive
as the stirring images are accessible and revealing.

This handsome volume does not pretend to be a critical review of
Blackwood’s work. Rather, it is a tribute to a master printmaker. A
must-have book for every Canadian art lover as well as for anyone
fascinated by the Newfoundland of days gone by.