Roy A Burton - Fine Art

I remember the crisp spring mornings; we could still see our
breath in the air, as we would walk down to the stage. The
painting depicts fishermen about to head out for the first catch
of spring. The day is fantastic, the harbour has finally
broken-up and with just a few ice pans left they just can't wait
to get out on the ocean. Headin' out fer a jig used to be one of
the rites of spring.

Location: La Scie,NL

The boots represents the fishermen and our ties to
ocean the fiddle represents fun, laughter,music and
the good times that accompanies most family get
togethers. It's great fun to listen to the yarns and tall
tales being told. The real challenge is trying to
separate truth from fiction between the jigs and the
reels.

Answering a loud knock on the door reveals an odd group of souls,
dressed in old, worn clothing, odd boots and mittens, humps on there
backs anf their faces covered with a hood, scarf, mask or pillowcase to
hide their identity...together in a voice acquired by speaking while
drawing in their breath they chorus, "any mummers 'llowd in?" A
strange occurrence? Not of you live in Newfoundland during the
Christmas season! Mummering is an old Newfoundland tradition dating
back to 6th century Rome. During the Christmas season, mummers
would visit the homes of the wealthy and perform in hopes of receiving
small donations. Though mummering has died out somewhat over the
years, it is still alive and well in most rural areas of Newfoundland
where residents still keep the tradition alive