2024 Ornament
“The Dog Sledding NL“
Inspiration for the Painting:
“The Dog Sledding NL” by Rodney Hand
Dog Sledding was an essential part of life in the north….sometimes it was the only way of travel over the winter months carrying supplies back to one’s community.
Sled dogs have always been part of the NL Culture and were the means by which the Inuit Culture spread across the Artic and Subarctic. The first Inuit to come to Labrador brought with them their sled dogs – dogs that allowed them to hunt, haul heavy loads and travel vast distances along the Labrador Coasts in Interior.
Over time dog teams were used across NL during the winter months to carry mail, to move timber in lumber camps, help with household chores like carrying wood and water. Dog sleds allowed Doctors and Nurses to provide medical outreach and transported the sick and injured to clinics.
The Inuit Constructed stone figures called Inukshut which was a tradition marker in the North. The Inukshut has been used as a marker or as a guide for travelers, waring of danger, and used for hunting. Hunters would place them on hillsides to guide the wildlife such as Caribou into one area for hunting.
The introduction of the snowmobile led to the decline of sled dog use while wheeled technology replace the cart and dog teams. In various areas of NL, we can still see the Inukshut in our communities. They symbolize that the Inuit were here and are still here today. The Inukshut figures have spiritual connotations, and are objects of great respect, often marking the Spiritual Landscape – the Inuit who know how to survive on the land living in their traditional way.
About the Artist
Rod Hand was born and raised in St. John’s, Newfoundland by parents Gary and Lorraine Hand. Rod was a self-taught artist starting at the age of seven.
Influenced by his surroundings Rod started to draw and paint by trial and error creating his own distinctive style.
Rod lived up north for 5 years working and painting a wide range of scenes from that area. Upon returning to Newfoundland in 2000, Rod started releasing limited edition prints that were well received by the public.
Rod now resides with his wife Christine in Renews, Capahayden on the southern shore in their cabin…a peaceful haven for any artist.
Rod’s children Janessa, Natalie, Aaron and his grandchildren Lucy and Arlo all have a flare for art and drawing …Rod’s stepson Justin went into the computer field.
Rods work can be viewed at www.newfoundlandshop.ca
Clarenville Area Chamber of Commerce
263 Memorial Drive
Clarenville, NL A5A 1R5
Ph: 709-466-5800
Toll Free: 1-888-466-5800
Fax: 709-466-5803
info@clarenvilleareachamber.com
Emergency Contacts
RCMP: 466-3211
Fire Department: 466-7777
Ambulance: 466-3468
Hospital: 466-3411
Poison Control: 1-800-722-1110
Mental Health Crisis: 1-888-737-4668
Photography by Paul Tilley.