Passing Shadow | Etching 52 of 75
About the Artwork
Passing Shadow is a 31.75" x 19.75" aquatint by David Blackwood, created in 1990. This evocative work returns to one of Blackwood’s earliest and most enduring memories from Wesleyville, Newfoundland — the legendary painted door of his neighbour, Ephraim Kelloway. As Blackwood recalled in a 1990 artist statement, “for several summers in the mid-fifties, Ephraim Kelloway painted his barn door — some say fifty times,” layering it in black, yellow, red, blue, silver, and pink until it became, in the artist’s words, “a richly painted and decorated icon.”
In Passing Shadow, the door stands as a weathered monument to perseverance and imagination. Its deep burgundy planks, copper horseshoe, and tarnished hinges record both care and time, while the silhouette across its surface suggests the enduring presence of memory itself. Blackwood’s aquatint technique gives the composition remarkable texture — from the grain of the clapboard siding to the faint gleam of metal hardware. Subtle tones of green and copper echo the decorative details Kelloway once added, while the shadow at the centre invites reflection: is it the neighbour, the artist, or the fleeting image of all who pass through memory’s threshold? More than a literal portrait, this print is a meditation on Newfoundland’s craftsmanship, faith, and endurance — transforming an ordinary door into an emblem of community and the persistence of creative spirit.
Dimensions and Details
- Size: 31.75" x 19.75"
- Medium: Aquatint
- Edition: 52/75
- Display: Professionally framed and ready to hang; signed and numbered by the artist
How to Purchase
If you are interested in acquiring Passing Shadow or learning more about David Blackwood’s work, we welcome your enquiry:
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Shipping and Services
- Shipping is quoted based on location and preferred delivery method. Local delivery within Edmonton and surrounding communities is complimentary.
- Layaway options are available upon request.
Accessibility Description
The artwork shows a vertical wooden door framed by weathered grey clapboard boards. The central planks are a rich reddish-brown, with visible woodgrain and patched hinges in shades of copper, green, and brass. Near the top hangs a small horseshoe, with a pale metal latch and crossbar beneath. A dark silhouette of a human figure, seen in profile, stretches across the door’s centre, the shadow crisp against the textured surface. Light glows faintly near the lower edge, suggesting illumination from within. The framing timbers are rough and worn, with knots and scratches visible. Beneath the image, the name “Ephraim Kelloway” appears inscribed along the base margin.We believe in transparency. Review our Terms of Service, Return Policy, and Shipping Policy. Have questions? Contact us or call 780.488.4892 or 855.488.5892.
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