Making UNDER MY SHELL, I was touched by the vitality beneath Nan's quiet exterior, says filmmaker Valerie Westgate. Filmmaker Valerie Westgate wrote, directed and produced this outstanding documentary. Valerie goes on to say that Nan demonstrated an unflagging enthusiasm for other artists as well as the continuation of her own art.
The film traces Nan's early training with leading Canadian artists and with well known Regionalists in Kingston during the 1950's. It continues with the adoption of traditional printmaking techniques. As we follow Nan working in her studio, she talks about how nature, history and her 35 year old pet turtle came to be portrayed in her art.
Not only is this documentary an important contribution to the historical record, but it is an inspirational film, providing us with hope in the human capacity to find personal satisfaction and even hidden beauty in the simple objects and experiences of daily living.
