SPOTLIGHT
JOHN ‘ SIGNSMITH ’
THE ARTIST BEHIND SOME OF WEST HEAD ’ S MARINE MASTERPIECES
Y
You ’ ve seen the elaborate , hand-painted designs that embellish many West Head boats , but have you met the brilliant artist who brings these pieces to life ? In this issue , we want to introduce you to the talent behind our magnificent marine masterpieces , John Smith .
John , affectionately known in the area as John ” SignSmith ,” is one of the last sign painters to do his work entirely by hand . He learned letter construction before computer graphics programs came available and has freehanded every single piece in his career . Where others have transitioned to a digital format over the years , John has always stayed true to his roots , making him a rare gem we are lucky to have in our community and as a part of the West Head family .
JOHN ’ S JOURNEY TO BOAT PAINTING
Before he began his journey as a signsmith , John worked as an advertising manager for a local shopping centre , as a machine operator , and in a field office drafting and doing general office work for the Department of Transportation . None of these , however , fuelled his passion and talent as an artist . When John had the opportunity to take a course in sign writing in Sydney , Nova Scotia , he didn ’ t think twice . He moved his wife and two-monthold baby to Sydney for the year-long course and then came back to Barrington and let all the local businesses know he was starting a sign painting business .
At first , John painted mostly business and residential signs , and vehicle graphics . He used a variety of elements in his signs , including hand carved wood , sand blasted , gold leaf , and detailed images of coastal maritime scenery . Every sign John crafted was exceptionally unique and you can still find his earlier work at Roseway Manor , Barrington Passage Professional Centre , Mayflower Place , Windward Flutes , Woods Harbour Wesleyan Church , and residences throughout Nova Scotia .
It wasn ’ t until the late 1970s that John got his first boat lettering job . His friend owned a boat shop and asked if John would come and paint the names on one of his refinished wooden boats . It didn ’ t take long for John ’ s work to gain the attention of other local fishermen who wanted him to do their boats as well . Demand for John ’ s marine masterpieces
4