Kathleen Moir Morris 1893 - 1986

Private Collection

A member of Montreal’s Beaver Hall group of artists, Kathleen Morris’ charming images are like portals into an idyllic, romantic era. Maple Sugar Time is undoubtedly among the best examples of these iconic works. The densely-packed picture plane positively hums with activity; each living being plays their part in the harvest, and there is no time—or sap—to waste.

The farmer in the righthand foreground taps the tree into his shiny silver bucket, while the fellow in the big fur coat on the left returns to the cabin with two pails full. At the centre of the composition, a cart of barrels is just about ready to go, the patient horse readied for his journey to town, while a second horse and driver return to collect the next batch. Morris manages to articulate all this activity with confident brushstrokes that demonstrate her skilled draughtsmanship and underscore an obvious affection for the scene she portrays.

The strong palette of vibrant complementary greens, reds, and golden browns creates a lyrical sense of harmony and conjures a sensory treat; the viewer cannot help but imagine the smoky scent of burning firewood from the cabin’s hearth mixed with the sweet fragrance of the maple sap lingering in the crisp winter air.