Maud Lewis: A World Without Shadows

Set against a background of her paintings and the Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, landscapes they depict, this short documentary is a portrait of the life and work of one of Canada's foremost primitive painters, Maud Lewis. Emerging from her youth crippled with arthritis, Lewis escaped into her painting at the age of 30. She had never seen a work of art and had never attended an art class but her paintings captured the simple strength, beauty and happiness of the world she saw - a world without shadows.
Directed by Diane Beaudry - 1976 | 10 min
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[@yacovmitchenko1490]

She was deeply moving. What I find extraordinary is that she retained her innocence, her child-like purity in the face of great hardship. I'm sure she'd been mocked and often ill-treated. She had to endure lifelong arthritis and poverty. Yet there are no shadows, no intimations of darkness in her paintings. And I don't sense repression or denial on her part. She was simply pure, a beautiful soul, without an iota of rancor or bitterness. How many people do you know who, not even suffering half her hardships, are still embittered or angry or carry some residue of resentment? I'm certainly one of them. In fact, a lot could be going for some of them, and yet they're still irked by something or other...

[@AroundTowniCome]

Very true

[@mymomsglam]

Beautifully put. Thanks.

[@TheCrusades1099]

Absolutely, how I felt! Very well put. Thanks 😊

[@jmack619]

Yacov. I,m going to try and be à better person.

[@yacovmitchenko1490]

Not only do the paintings deserve worldwide recognition, but some church in Canada should declare her a saint. How about "St. Maud of Nova Scotia"?

[@helenhines2712]

Her paintings described in 3 words....simple, wholesome, and innocent. She was very creative and talented.

[@salva32]

Yes ‼️🖤 she is truly lovely woman

[@patwilliams800]

This world needs more beautiful selfless souls like Maud, her paintings still bring joy. An exquisite, sweet & beautiful legacy. Just wonderful 🌈💕💜 Thank you Maud. 🙏

[@Anetekonjo]

I suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis and her story is so touching. She must have been in pain, there weren’t any medications for it back then. I admire her for keeping such a positive attitude and didn’t make excuses. Her family was so mean to her. Thanks for sharing.

[@Janartable]

A beautiful soul. She gave so much to the world and she had so little. I just love her, her art, everything about her.

[@Antonia1138]

i cried watching this.

[@1991jdclark]

That smile and those bright eyes. ❤ I look at her paintings and feel happy.

[@Missditabomb]

While I was watching the new film released about her art and her life, I said to myself, "She is happy". And she was despite all of the circumstances!! Her paintings are Heaven; so joyful and pure. Thanks, Maudie!!

[@margaritaresta6390]

Maud 's art is an explotion of her good soul. Tender, humble sweet little woman.. Amazing how much animated are horses, they really seems running, and perfect perspective..those paints are more than folk naïf, are dreaming realism.

[@warriorcell9418]

I just purchased one of her work on auction. Didn't know of her until I bought the artwork..then I decided to google her and found out about this humble talented woman.

[@stevebeck3863]

What a life. I would enjoy having a cup of tea with her.

[@tayching2051]

the movie brought me here..

[@paulgriffithsart]

Me too.

[@jagadmarcelleno6755]

me too

[@joyshreeabi2041]

Same here

[@almalada5312]

Yo también llegué aquí gracias a la película....

[@asafapjv]

Também cheguei aqui após assistir o filme. Encantador!

[@sergecastonguay7805]

I first was exposed to her art in 1981 visiting Nova Scotia, a folk artist in the deep sens of the word, her soul remain with us thought her art. I have great respect for all folk artists they are pur visionary, reminding us that simplicity is the way... I remember as a child going to see my grand-parent in Rivière Du Loup and was fascinated by these small house and the folk art kiosks along the road with all kind of crafts for sale. Between Québec and Rivière Du Loup there no Trans Canada Highway. Then it was build and all these kiosks vanished... You only know what your are missing when it is gone. Maud's house is now in a museum. Folk art is the expression of the people, dont be timide express your self like Maud did.

[@deicylujancastillo1741]

Me encantaria algun dia visitar el museo y ver su arte, el arte expresa nuestras emociones , saludos desde Peru

[@jacquiragland6841]

I love Maud's life story and art. I aspire to be as strong and positive. I love her relationship with her husband, her simplicity, her grace. Thank you for such a beautiful lesson.

[@sandralahaie5569]

I knew of Maud because my Mom was from PEI , I also just viewed the new Movie of Maudie's life..which was so fabulous , watched it twice,Jan 2019..Her paintings are Canadiana and they make you smile. The vivid colors and simplicity and purity of the paintings are so beautiful. I adore her.

[@hke4369]

Its incredibly how this video was made about 50 years ago

[@MonicaForrestall]

A true visionary. Extraordinary, natural sense of composition and color and local iconographic imagery.

[@OkOk-sn2ly]

The most passionate and beautiful movie I have ever seen!

[@guaryam311]

Her paintings make my soul feel nostalgic.

[@stephanegosselin2861]

I had heard of her before but I saw the movie, Maudie, yesterday, really good movie, it brought me to this video, Thank you for sharing

[@giselahass2646]

Ich sah den Film und wollte mehr über Maud‘s Leben erfahren. Es hat mich sehr berührt.

[@maryliztippin-moody6856]

Maude Lewis was the real deal! Her vision was wonderful and her work inspired. She is a true inspiration!

[@fernandobalaam9295]

Great talent from a simple and lovely woman...very inspiring..

[@nikkoiswantoro]

Peacefully ⚘ thanks Maud Lewis .. inspiration everyone who see ur painting ..

[@akemibear2225]

So glad to discover a wonderful heart warming true story, I love her paintings. Thank you for sharing.

[@johncronin1082]

Iv only recently come across this lady have to say I'm blown away by her paintings and herself and her life ..such a delicate soul

[@fariszengi]

her paint make cry. i dunno what so strong about this painting. so strong.

[@michellebnlz1602]

Naïve et spontanée , pure et entourée de fraicheurs , sa peinture est ainsi , comme son regard vif et son sourire espiègle, malgré ses douleurs. Comme j'aurais aimé partager quelques moments précieux en toute simplicité avec cette magnifique artiste .

[@aimeesobeauty]

It was ending of the movie and the credits are playing as i type this. I cried at the movie

[@ericacherryvieira7480]

Resilience and love for the life. Totally inspiring. 💖

[@iae987]

The way she does her painting captures the innocence and beauty of life. Everything so bright... just got here after watching the movie. Truly a very beautiful soul. I would love to see a painting be her in person. Looking at it through the screen already touches my heart, what more if given a chance to see the real thing?

[@iadertina]

I've learned about Maudie just today. From Croatia!

[@susiesalter5290]

Thankyou...just watched the movie.....omg...fell inlove with maude.......the film is best ive seen in years.......💔💖💖💖💖💖🌷🌷🌹🌹🌸🌸🌻🌻🌼🌼🌺🌺

[@yvonnemorris4730]

I totally agree...best movie I ever watched since Heidi....touched my soul..

[@cibsim]

This is a great and simple documentary. Maud Lewis is in my book a real artist. Picasso said that if you knew what you were going to paint, you should not bother. Painting is research of the unknown. Artists who paint always the same style are often celebrated by merchants of art. It is easy in these cases to print catalogues which show a continuity in the paintings. Other artists who want to paint in a new and different way in each of their paintings stay, most of the time, unknown to the public. I have painted 425 canevas from 2014 to 2021. I started from scratch, like Maude Lewis, without studying art. My paintings are pretty naive in style, but they are all different and convey with colours the secrets of my life. I sell a few of my paintings. Generally, I give them to people who like and enjoy my art and who promise to keep and cherish my paintings. Some of my paintings are in Europe, in United States and mostly in Canada. I am unknown to a large public and it is okay like that. Painting brings happiness to the artist and to the people who get the paintings. I refuse to sell at high prices my paintings. A true artist is not a merchant. He is a giver, he shows how beautiful is the world we live in. Maud Lewis is a great artist. She upgrades reality and stays away of the similarities with photography. I wish I could have met Maud Lewis to thank her for her contribution to our country.

[@margaritaresta6390]

Pierre Simard amazing your comment. Near to my experience as watercolor painter, never sold just giving to my friends. Even if I studied in Rome Art Academy I started to paint as hobby in a troubled moment of my life. I found my confort and consolation. Art painting is real conforting, sure you might know Frida, the Mexican painter and her disability. As many famous blinds musicians so talented Art is a gift, so I agree with you, who paint only for sale (, if is not in need, like Maud Lewis was) , are like office workers.

[@francielafelix8545]

Podemos ver algunas de tus pinturas?

[@LifeofB108]

Maud Lewis was my great-great aunt. That must be where I get my artistic talent. Love you

[@donnanancekivell9430]

I loved this movie........very moving, what a darling should she was".......we could all learn something from her..............Donna in Toronto

[@mariont.cochrane869]

A Beautiful Woman ...And an artist in her soul❣️ A wonder movie, and the actors drew you in not as a spectator of a film, but as a person sitting them and sharing every moment of their lives.

[@patwilliams800]

Yes the actors were exquisite, Sally was remarkable & Ethan too. Softly powerful production that stays with you!

[@margaritaresta6390]

Who remember the old movie "Harold and Maude?" a sweet story of friendship between an old eccentric woman, and a rich spoiled young boy. Maude have the same delicacy and warm heart as Maud Lewis.

[@zhidapang8825]

What a fascinating story.. What a true artist. Rip maud

[@user-nv2tb1vm4y]

always makes me cry

[@yessy2646]

Absolutely a gift to the world 🌎

[@echoesofmarsmoondragon7600]

Just watched the film MAudiE.. Their story and life together might be so low and simple, yet so colorful and inspiring especially for all couples out there. Rest in Peace Mr and Mrs Lewis. Thanks for touching our lives. Anywayz, will anyone please tell me the title of the background song?

[@salva32]

The world need more person with such a beautiful soul like hers🖤

[@margaritaresta6390]

Maybe existing a lot of nice people, like Maud Lewis,, but they are unknown. Are the silent part of the world.

[@Frannnss-bp4kn]

I'm gonna cry now

[@manuelalejandroorqueravald6511]

Conocí la historia de esta maravillosa mujer por la película, nunca había oído de de ella y sus hermosas pinturas. Siento mucho respeto y aprecio hacia ella.

[@margaritaresta6390]

No sé si Ud es de Mejico. Y si conoce la pintora Frida. Ella también era enferma, inmobilizada en la cama por parálisis pintaba su mismo rostro reflejado por un espejo. Pero la magia que desborda en las pinturas de Maud Lewis no tiene iguales. Yo pinto también y conosco el consuelo de la pintura.

[@manuelalejandroorqueravald6511]

@@margaritaresta6390 gracias por su comentario, soy de Chile, le felicito por tener el don de pintar ¡Bendiciones!

[@b.runettepet4904]

Her paintings are wonderful.

[@wei-rungtseng883]

I didn’t know this artist, Maud, until I watched the film, Maudie, which our teacher played in class. I fell in love with the shots in the film, or, her paintings. Glad to have another beauty to appreciate in life.

[@MissTwix]

What a delightful piece on Maude

[@TheAverycross]

Thank you so much for posting this video, which I consider another source of inspiration, another reason (for me) to keep creating my own work. And Ms. Lewis' body of work is absolutely beautiful and breathtaking! RIP

[@dancordova9644]

Inspiring artist and an amazing story

[@libbytibby]

Her paintings are magnificent.

[@OnlyEdandTheAlmost]

Come on. It's primitive folk art.

[@NWOization]

Only Ed and The Almost Primitive only to those who see and don't think.

[@SirRunk666]

@@OnlyEdandTheAlmost Not sure how these two cancel each other out, but whatever works for you.

[@sheilalaffey879]

so lovely and inspring - Maud, her work and this sweet short film

[@jochenlucken200]

A very true and rare gem ! And a bittersweet life to boot.

[@lahainagalleries.]

Thank you for this loving documentary of this wonderfully, talented artist.

[@KenR208]

So good to see this short by one of my favourite film documentary makers, the CNFB - brings to life those marvellous painting by Maud. God Bless Her.

[@evelynsavitzky4607]

A wonderful story and a wonderful film- so sad but with hope and courage for all .

[@HMALDANA]

What a beautiful human being!

[@Voltasaur]

“A life without shadows” ❤️

[@osgebl]

Me encanta. Cuánta alegría nos dejó!

[@vonlossberg]

Inner child painting..she was so wonderful. There is one she did of a black truck that sold for 350 thousand!

[@iamlalapalooza]

i read a reference to it as "that eponymous black truck" which truck is probably her husband's truck.

[@quethdossantos8274]

Que história linda de vida, maud maravilhosa!👏👏

[@Chanchaoka]

The movie brought me here as well .. What a great story telling of a lovely artist

[@veronikablumenschein7464]

What a wonderful person ❤️

[@devvildogg1775]

I found this video quite by accident but I watched the whole thing and it was very moving and beautiful. Very serendipitous. I never heard of this woman nor her paintings, I was actually looking for something related to science and if certain objects don't cast shadows with certain types of light. I think I needed to find this, what a beautiful world we live in.

[@karenharvey2549]

Pure joy.

[@VictorFloresFuentealba18]

what a beautiful world and mind, it is eternal......

[@user-yx7ww2wm6n]

Always beautiful things in someone who has beautiful memories.

[@patwilliams800]

So true 🤗

[@sahej6939]

I loved the movie! Glad it introduced me to this artist!

[@braudilopez2661]

beautiful story GOD bless you always 🌲🌹⚘🌷

[@BudA29]

Just watched the movie... what a beautiful soul, inside and out

[@kevinsavary258]

I went out with a girl directly across the road from the house.My uncle has tons of paintings from her

[@patwilliams800]

How wonderful!

[@user-lw4qn2xr4r]

Hello from Australia, I've enjoyed the movie "Maudie" about 3 times now. Thats how I found out about this amazing & inspiring lady.

[@freet27616]

I love her paintings and the movie Maudie!

[@firehorse66elaine]

Thank you, very enjoyable!

[@axymoulm]

When I watched the movie I was spilling many tears (which is very unusual for me). But this smile the real Maudie shows on this portrait is giving me something curing. I really admire her for her personality. I'm in doubt about whether the story of the movie is real in every aspect, but nonetheless one of the very best movies I have ever seen.

[@TheJunglehike]

Beautiful clips of her n her artwork. Bursting with colors,joy and happiness in her heart and u can feel. It’s how you handle poverty in life.

[@patwilliams800]

💕💜❤

[@christahopecorros9440]

Thank you for a life well lived, Ma'am Maud!

[@rorybellamy2533]

Sally Hawkins , I love you!

[@youkyouk7471]

Thank you ! ( I watched Maudie with Sally Hawkins two days ago.)

[@libbytibby]

This was wonderful to see. Thank you. I LOVE this channel

[@NikkoYM]

me too :)

[@michaeltrees6872]

Really great presentation! Thank you!

[@thegoodside8321]

bless her soul

[@ferencpeter1843]

She's pictures shining HAPPYNES!!!

[@patwilliams800]

She does, a selfless beautiful soul💕Such a gift!

[@nursengorgec5810]

Iki kez filmini izledim, resimlerine hayran kaldım. muhteşem bir kadın olduğunu düşünüyorum. çok ilham verici bir hayat yaşamış , çok etkilendim

[@rosasaron2440]

Amei a história dela.por ser uma grande pintora

[@rajsingharora1]

Thank you for Sharing this.

[@dragongod486]

This feels like something you wake up to at 1 2 3 5 or 6 in the morning

[@meshelnoori2731]

“She was kind of cut off from the world, except what was inside of her“

[@singlewiam1283]

Maud Lewis was gifted!

[@sandybarry2163]

Great movie Maudie

[@tonyleung9977]

Excellent production and score. A fitting title. Thank you, NFB. Ps: The exhibition at McMichael brought me here :)

[@janacyalves3190]

Maravilhosa!

[@lindaenderson591]

one of the best movies ever.i want to read the book.

[@beatrizvalero5659]

Maravillosa

[@24062004Fidel]

Danke ❤️

[@joc2550]

I dont know why I felt like crying

[@jameshaury2716]

North Dakota had it's own folk Painter Emily Tufte Lunde. I was able to take a look at an exhibition of her paintings up In Fessenden. I really enjoyed it.

[@bonnerscott5374]

She was probably detached somewhat from realality, a contrived world in her head to escape the winter of discontent that is your life, mean people with mislabel weather. As most of you know, If you find, if you can find a place were your truly happy you hold to to for dear life, painting was her place. I'm glad she found happiness not many do.

[@karimcita]

Beatifoul life, the movie brougth me here

[@aparecidagasparetto3149]

Muito lindo os guadros dela mulher humillde é muito guerreira a história dela e linda

[@kathypaulus2082]

I hope to meet you someday in heaven ...

[@OnlyEdandTheAlmost]

Maybe she'll paint your portrait. Without features.

[@vincentvega22]

Everett was killed by a thief in 1970 in that same house.

[@johnnydtractive]

Maud died in 1970, but you're absolutely right that Everett was killed by a thief (in 1979). Very tragic circumstance.

[@SuperMimsen]

That's sad... After her paintings perhaps?

[@berilkn]

@@SuperMimsen yes that's what I also read. its written that there are rumours around he has money hidden after Maud and a thief tried to steal that

[@user-qr2oh4hc2k]

I can’t stop crying when I read this. How people is so cold blood try to do harm to the old gentleman? why?