I first met David Blackwood back in the early 1990's, when he visited Mount Allison University as part of a Canadian Studies Symposium. He had been invited to speak about the Newfoundland that he has such a deep love for; a place that has been the central focus of his career as an artist. At the time it seemed very obvious to me that it would be a great opportunity for him to speak about his own prints, images that depict this rugged land with such grace, passion and understanding. Yet in his slide presentation he managed to show just two slides of his work, choosing instead to reflect on images taken of an ever-changing Newfoundland, a place where the traditional way of life was even then coming to an end.

I was taken aback by his humility, and by his generosity of his time. Since that initial meeting I have followed David's outstanding achievements as an artist and have witnessed first hand his benevolence, giving back to the society around him. David has, in his own humble manner, demonstrated what it means to be both a distinguished artist and a distinguished Canadian citizen. I count him as a mentor and friend.

Essay by Dan Steeves