Biography

David Blackwood (1941–2022) was a legendary Canadian printmaker and painter whose haunting, narrative etchings immortalized the seafaring history and outport culture of Newfoundland. Born in the outport community of Wesleyville, Newfoundland, Blackwood was raised in a seafaring family, spending summers on his father's schooner. A prodigy who opened his first studio at age 15, he earned a scholarship to the OCAD University (then the Ontario College of Art) in 1959. After graduating, he settled in Port Hope, Ontario, where he served as Art Master at Trinity College School for decades while maintaining a studio in his native Newfoundland. He passed away in July 2022.