artists

from nova Scotia, jodi is a self-taught folk artist, encouraged and inspired by folk artist friend william d. roach from cheticamp and barry colpitts from east ship harbour. he is a member of the nova scotia folk art festival and has been accepted into the unique group of east coast carvers, his work can be found in important folk art collections in canada and abroad. connecting with the wood, where does he get his ideas? sometimes the driftwood speaks to him and says “i’m perfectly shaped for a _____” and other times i say “let’s take this piece of wood and turn it into a ____”. either way, the goal is to make people smile!

doretta received a BA in art education from the nova scotia college of art and design. after years of teaching, traveling abroad, and tree planting, she began painting full time. since living in the annapolis valley, her work has been influenced by the colours, lines, and stories around her. doretta is also the author/illustrator of 12 children’s books (Nimbus and Acorn Press). her widely known acrylic paintings are available in several maritime galleries and through private commission.

bill roach is one of the most respected nova scotia folk artists. he has worked as a truck driver, press operator, fork lift operator and carpenter. bill began carving as a hobby in the mid 1970's, and did not start carving seriously until 1988. he carves a variety of subjects including roosters, animals, fish and people. william's work has been accepted into several exhibitions, including a 1991 exhibit at the canadian embassy in washington, D.C., the 1995 G7 Summit in halifax, nova scotia, and the 1996 Andrezisun-Ranthcon Exhibition in france. he was also the recipient of the People's Choice Award at the 1991 Les Amis Du Plien Air Exhibition. william has been the subject of numerous television shows and magazine articles, including On The Road Again, with wayne rostad, a 1995 National Geographic television special on nova scotia and a 1998 BBC Television program. his carvings can be found in the collection of the Art Gallery of nova scotia, the seabright art gallery and in personal collections throughout north america, europe and japan.