Kevin Coates and his carving tools have managed to create a Newfoundland in microcosm. Beginning in 1997, he has recorded outport life in a large and growing series of carvings…small works that depict the day-to-day activities of the ‘livyers' in Winterton, Trinity Bay.

"I was born and lived for most of my life in Winterton. I got into wood carving after seeing an article on caricature carving in a magazine. I was fascinated by the possibilities, so I tried it and have been doing it ever since."

Coates draws on the people of his community...those he sees every day and those he remembers from times past...to create works that speak fondly of the lives and traditions of his people. The resulting carvings do more than document rural life in Newfoundland; they are a testament to the human spirit. Recently the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador purchased a 'community' of his carvings for the province's Permanent Collection. The majority of his work finds its way into private collections.

Image shown: Painting the Dory 31 x 19 cm (12" x 7.5")