Norton’s Cove Studio

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What inspired you to start your business?

Fresh out of art school, I wanted to continue my new printmaking skills in a non-toxic setting, which didn’t exist in my home province at the time. So, with some community help, I set up my own non-toxic printshop in a c.1890 general store that was restored for the purpose.

My entrepreneurial spirit has been handed down from generations of business owners in my family.

My husband (since 1998) Duke Kelloway started crafting nautical knots made of salvaged ropes from our local fishing industry a few years ago, and those can be found at Norton’s Cove as well!

How would you describe your business?

My art studio is open for visitors to get a behind-the-scenes look at the practices of printmaking, painting, mat hooking, and nautical knot tying year round, in the historic Kean’s General Store.

My inspiration for each piece of art comes from my local environment and the history of the region where my family has been living for 8 generations. The ocean, the fish in it, local museum artefacts, our built heritage, all show up as original fine art pieces that find homes internationally.

What’s your bestselling product?

Norton’s Cove Cards & Mini-Prints are top sellers- the are compact and affordable original works of art that are easy to ship or slip into a suitcase for travellers. About 40 different designs to choose from!

Why do you think it’s so popular?

Each Norton’s Cove Card is hand printed on 100% cotton fibre paper with lightfast inks, complete with a Kraft envelope.

Norton’s Cove Mini-Prints are also signed and matted, ready to fit a standard 5×7 frame.

And Norton’s Cove Bookmarks measure 2×6 inches and are fitted with a tassel.

All my supplies are purchased in Canada.

What’s your favourite product that you make?

My series of Smudge Herring paintings is my personal favourite right now! I love their sparkly iridescence, and how each of the faces seems to have a personality. I get immense pleasure from creating them!

What’s your favourite local Newfoundland business?

There’s a new place to stay in my town, called Straight Shore Suites, which is an old church which has been completely reimagined as 5 different apartments that are rented hotel fashion. The rooms are beautifully put together, and the owners love to collaborate with other local businesses. I love that!