Bennett's High Island Trilogy

About the Artwork

Bennett's High Island Trilogy is a set of three 19.75" x 31.75" colour etchings with aquatint on paper by David Blackwood, created in 1981. This complete trilogy, with matching edition numbers of 29 of 50, captures the essence of Newfoundland's cultural heritage and maritime history. Each etching tells a unique story, reflecting the artist's deep personal connection to his home.

Visual Descriptions and Personal Connections

Seabird Hunters Crossing the Reach | Etching with Aquatint on Paper #29 of 50

The artwork depicts a group of seabird hunters crossing the Reach, a body of water between the mainland and Bennett's High Island, in a trapboat. The scene features eight hunters dressed in white cassocks, which blend with the surrounding ice, camouflaging them during their hunting expedition. Bennett's High Island looms in the background, adding a sense of place and scale to the scene.

This piece is a tribute to David Blackwood's father, Skipper Jim Hill, Heber Fifield, and other community members who engaged in seabird hunting. The white cassocks worn by the hunters were inspired by the Labrador cod fishery and made from flour sacking in Wesleyville. These garments helped the hunters blend into the icy landscape, making it easier to attract flocks of murres.

Wesleyville, Night Passage, Bennett's High Island | Etching with Aquatint on Paper #29 of 50

The artwork depicts Bennett's High Island as seen from Wesleyville under a moonlit night. A boat passes through the water, capturing the serene and timeless beauty of the scene. The lighthouse on the island, previously known as "Pappy's Blinker," stands prominently, guiding the boats through the calm waters.

David Blackwood created this piece based on the view from his childhood bedroom window, which is now the view from his studio window in Wesleyville. The building was constructed with this island in mind, located on the rocks above Blackwood's Cove. The expanse of water between the mainland and Bennett's Island, known as the Reach, was a common route for boats travelling to nearby communities like Greenspond, Brookfield, Newtown, and Cape Freels.

Wesleyville, March Ice Raft | Etching with Aquatint on Paper #29 of 50

The artwork captures a winter scene in Wesleyville, featuring Bennett's High Island covered in snow and surrounded by ice. The foreground shows children engaging in a local pastime called "tippypanning," where they jump from one small ice pan to another across a narrow body of water. This activity, also known as "copying" in other parts of Newfoundland, was a common and playful training ground for the more serious tasks encountered in the seal fishery.

Cultural and Historical Significance

The Bennett's High Island Trilogy collectively preserves the unique cultural heritage and history of Newfoundland, particularly the community of Wesleyville. Each etching offers a window into the lives and practices of the region's inhabitants, showcasing their resourcefulness, adaptability, and deep connection to the land and sea. From the depiction of seabird hunters using traditional camouflage techniques to the serene portrayal of moonlit passages and winter activities, these works capture the essence of Newfoundland's maritime culture. The trilogy highlights the ingenuity of the local people, their daily struggles, and the traditions passed down through generations, all of which are intricately tied to the region's history and environment.

Personal Significance to the Artist

David Blackwood's Bennett's High Island Trilogy is profoundly rooted in his personal experiences and memories of Wesleyville. By depicting scenes such as seabird hunting, moonlit passages, and childhood winter games, Blackwood not only preserves the cultural heritage and practices of his community but also honours the memory of his father and other local figures. Each piece in the trilogy reflects Blackwood's deep emotional connection to his homeland and the people who shaped his upbringing. Through his art, he captures the essence of their lives, their resilience, and the enduring spirit of Newfoundland's coastal communities.

Special Offering

This complete trilogy is exceptionally rare, as it has been preserved together since 1981 and retains matching edition numbers of 29 of 50. The purchaser of these prints will receive a copy of the original letters from David Blackwood, written in 1981 and sent to the West End Gallery. These letters provide insights into Blackwood's artistic vision and the stories behind each print. Only the new owner will have exclusive access to the full extent of Blackwood's evocative and detailed writings.

Dimensions and Details

• Size: Each print is 19.75" x 31.75"
• Medium: Colour Etching with Aquatint on Paper
• Edition: All three etchings are numbered 29 of 50
• Condition: Each etching will be matted on archival paper and sealed in plastic
• Framing: The etchings are ready to be framed; however, framing costs are not included in the value
• Shipping: The cost of shipping will be applied at the time of purchase
• Insurance: Insurance for loss or damage of artwork is the purchaser's responsibility. The West End Gallery can assist in facilitating proper insurance; however, we are not responsible for loss or damage once the shipment leaves our premises. This is standard procedure for high-value items of this nature

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