Jack Beder’s Boat at Wharf, Nova Scotia captures a maritime scene in a coastal fishing village, inspired by his time spent along Canada’s East Coast. The composition features a docked boat set against a wharf, rendered in bold shapes and vibrant colours.

In the 1950s, the wharfs of Nova Scotia were central to daily life, serving as hubs for fishing, shipping, and small-scale trade. Beder often visited the region with his family during the summertime, where they would swim, fish, and pick berries together.

This original four colour lino-print was created using a relief technique in which the artist carves into a linoleum block and prints each four colours separately, typically one layer at a time. Each colour is usually applied with a different block or by using the reduction method, where the same block is progressively carved away between printings. This process is labour-intensive and precise. This technique allows the artist to achieve a bold, graphic image with striking contrasts, rich colour and depth. Beder’s mastery of this medium is evident in the clean lines and balanced composition.

Measuring 3.5 x 5 inches, this lino-print is signed on the bottom right. This piece is featured on page 79 of Jack Beder: Life and Art in Canada (2025), a publication by Rookleys Canadian Art Gallery. This piece was featured in the Jack Beder: Life and Art in Canada exhibition at Rookleys Canadian Art Gallery.