Congratulations to artist Jean Claude Roy who was recently appointed to the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador!
“Jean Claude Roy is an artist who has made Newfoundland and Labrador his second home since first arriving here from France more than 55 years ago. He has made an immense contribution to our province’s rich cultural and artistic heritage by capturing in paint the changing human landscape, forever ensuring that our past is firmly rooted and celebrated in the present.
Mr. Roy has produced two books, Fluctuat Nec Mergitur (a Latin phrase meaning “floating but not sinking”), and Terra Magna, which feature paintings of every community on the island of Newfoundland, and in Labrador. Some of these communities have since disappeared but remain visible to us through his paintings, because he visited, loved, and respected both the places and the people who lived there.
Mr. Roy has been involved in several projects that have resulted in the preservation of this province’s rich culture and history. He collaborated with the French Shore Historical Society of Conche from 2004-10, and designed the creation, now known as the French Shore Tapestry.
Mr. Roy has also enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Labradorians. While travelling its length and breadth, he found occasion to teach Inuit youth at Torngat Mountains National Park resulting in a mural. Since 2013, he has been involved in fundraising efforts with the Battle Harbour Historic Trust.
Mr. Roy’s continuous generosity, through his talent and art, will have a lasting legacy focused on celebrating and preserving Newfoundland and Labrador’s rich cultural heritage.”