David Blackwood
(1941–)
(–2022)
David Blackwood
1941–2022
David Blackwood (1941–2022) was a Canadian artist who specialized in printmaking and painting. Blackwood was mainly known for his intaglio prints that depict historical scenes of Newfoundland sea life, including the outport of his hometown Wesleyville, shipwrecks, whales, and seal-hunting.
In 1959, he received a scholarship to study at the Ontario College of Art and Design. He moved to Port Hope with his wife, Anita, in 1974 but continued to maintain a studio in Wesleyville, Newfoundland until his death. In Port Hope, he became Art Master at Trinity College School, and continued to work as a professional artist. From 1969 to 1975, he was the artist in residence at Erindale College at the University of Toronto campus. The Blackwood Gallery was established in 1992 in his honour.
In 1976, the National Film Board produced a documentary featuring his work and etching process titled Blackwood which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Short. Blackwood’s work can be found widely in collections across Canada. He exhibited in over 90 solo exhibitions and numerous group shows. In 1993, Blackwood was recognized as a member of the Order of Canada and an Order of Ontario in 2003. Blackwood was the first artist named Honorary Chairman of the Art Gallery of Ontario.
