The Chéticamp rug hooking tradition is prized the world over, and its most celebrated artist is undoubtedly Élizabeth LeFort (1914-2005), Canada’s artist in wool.
LeFort’s remarkable talent for portraiture in wool resulted in purchases and commissions around the world; her portraits of world figures hang in Rideau Hall, Buckingham Palace, the White House and the Vatican.
She was recognized for her work with the Order of Canada and with an honorary degree from Université de Moncton.
In a new book from Cape Breton University Press, author Daniel Doucet gives us a biographical portrait of the artist and her work. A bilingual publication (French and English), Canada’s Artist in Wool / L’Artiste Canadienne de la Laine brings together photographs of many of her pieces, complemented by photos of personal and public highlights of her career and an index of her professional works (1954-1987).
It will be in stores this week and officially launched at a gala event July 29 in Chéticamp.
“Élizabeth LeFort’s work is inspiring,” says CBU Press editor-in-chief Mike Hunter.
“Like being in an ornate or ancient cathedral, one is awestruck by the detail in her tapis and by the apparent emotional connection she had for some of her subject matter.”
“Her devotional works, and there are many, are stunning and inspiring,” he adds.
LeFort’s penchant for wildlife, historical scenes and religious art, many of which hang in the gallery that bears her name, in the Trois Pignons cultural centre in Chéticamp, is indeed inspiring.
The museum and gallery provide a unique opportunity to view her work in the context of the history of the community and the work of some of her contemporaries.
In the book’s afterword, renowned rug-hooking artist Patricia Pollett McClelland, notes that “even visitors who are unfamiliar with LeFort’s artistic achievements, such as her portraits of world leaders, are impressed by the artistry and scope of her work.”
Canada’s Artist in Wool, will be launched on July 29, 7:30 p.m., at the Seniors Hall (just behind église Saint-Pierre), Chéticamp. Everyone is welcome.
