Nashwaak River: Backwater with Chestnut Canoe

The shaft hardwood is oak, the grip is black walnut core and walnut face. The stone in the handle is green mother of pearl. The grip is 2.5 in. tall x 3 in. wide x 1.5 in. deep.

These paddles are designed by Vaughn Dunnfield and built by the artist with Mr. Dunnfield in his shop. It is a collaboration of art and making. The design features a very light weight paddle with strength and reinforcement where it is needed. Most paddles weigh approximately 1.5 lb. which facilitates long hours of paddling pleasure.

All paddles are painted in acrylic and coated with crystal clear epoxy. They have fiberglass tips for rugged use.

Bent shaft paddles are known for their ability to maximize each forward stroke and often seen in racing, but they are also efficient in steering from both bow and stern. Traditional straight shaft paddles remain the popular choice amongst canoeists.

Each painting depicts a river in New Brunswick. Looking at a map of New Brunswick from the perspective of rivers, we see that these truly were the roads by which people travelled, traded, and established communities. The Wolastoquiyik (people of the Wolastoq) are most known for these routes as their territory covers the widest and central area of the province. These same routes were also used by all other Wabanaki groups: Mi’kmaq, Passamaquoddy and Penobscot. With European contact, these routes became even more used as early trading led to colonization.

Moon Joyce is a lifelong canoeist who is passionate about stewardship of the natural world and believes that people protect what they love. To become intimate with these rivers is to move through the veins of this land and understand the heart of its people. She is a long-time outdoor adventure leader and land-based educator.

This exhibit is Moon’s first attempt to bring her skills as a paddle maker with her artistic practice. She invites you to pick up a paddle and get a feel for it. Enjoy!

This straight shaft paddle was created in 2023.