Back From the Rock

In July and August of 2004, I was invited to Newfoundland for an artist residency which gave me six fabulous weeks to explore 'the Rock'. I drove out with my daughter Natalie, and after a long drive, we survived the 15 hour ferry boat ride in the dense fog. We arrived when the caplin were running, which meant there were lots of whales to be seen. There were still icebergs coming down the coast. We explored the Avalon peninsula, then drove up along the east coast to Bonavista and Carbonnear. We spent 2 weeks in Gros Morne National Park on the west coast, which was beautiful. It was a wonderful experience exploring this varied island and meeting truly friendly people.

I had always thought Newfoundland would be grey and colourless and, well, rocky, but I found the colours and the light were so inspirational. The variations in the rock and plantlife were incredible. The waters so clear and clean, you could see right to the bottom of the tidal pools. In Gros Morne National Park, the sea vegetation was vibrant and colourful. The rock formations in the Avalon Peninsula were incredible, with huge quartz seams and fabulous colours. I was so fascinated that I returned to take a Geology course at university to explain some of the phenomenal rocks I had seen. I fell in love with Newfoundland and want to go back again.

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