Canadian William J. Wood (1877-1954) Etching of a “Diver” 1920, Midland Ontario

A simple, evocative expression of small town Ontario life in the first part of the twentieth century can be found in the work of William J. Wood (1877-1954). He was a painter and etcher who chose his “subjects” with warmth from the people around his home town of Midland, Ontario. This small but dynamic etching is of a “Diver”, with a canoe in the background, most likely done around Georgian Bay near Midland. Signed twice, on the etching itself ” W J Wood 1920″ and in pencil, lower right.

Wood was a close friend of members of the Group of Seven, especially Arthur Lismer and A.Y. Jackson. In his autobiography, A.Y. Jackson writes a chapter describing the precarious living that Canadian artists like “Bill Wood” faced in his lifetime. It is an illuminating passage about Wood working in various trade jobs to support his family, as a result he had few “art opportunities”.  When unemployed Wood had more time to devote to his art, but lacked the funds for materials. He made his own etching press, often painted small canvases, ground his own pigments and mixed his own oil paints.

In 1920 Wood joined the Canadian Society of Painter-Etchers and Engravers, exhibiting with them until 1950. In 1923 at one exhibition Wood is listed as a member of the Group of Seven. In 1933, he was a founding member of the Canadian Group of Painters. During his lifetime he participated in 92 exhibitions of art in Canada and many of his works can be found in the Huron Museum, Midland. Wood’s great talent as an artist  has been overlooked, both during his lifetime and afterwards.

Dimensions: Image: width 5.5″ x height 8.75″ Frame: width 12.0″ x height 15.0″