Haliburton

Having access to Fred Harris’ diary, provides actual details of Clara’s life as an artist which otherwise could only have been speculative. Diary entries describe a married couple, ahead of its time. Fred and Clara encouraged each other to pursue personal artistic ambitions even when it meant travelling separately for long periods of time; often in inclement weather; with less than today’s modernities in transportation and accommodation. Provided with these details alters the viewer’s perception of Clara’s works. Consider her two paintings of Haliburton in the winter: Horses Pulling Logs and Winter in Haliburton. These are not the result of a casual pastime designed for a lady of leisure. As described in the diary Clara took at least five winter trips over a period of four years varying in length from five days to three weeks. There were inconveniences and unplanned circumstances.

March 16, 1938 - Clara off to Haliburton March 21, 1938 - letter from Clara - letter to Clara January 10, 1939 - Clara off to Haliburton 8 am. Day is starting fair and nice January 15, 1939 - letter to Clara in Haliburton February 5, 1939 - Clara home about 3:30 February 20, 1940 – Clara coming down with a cold right after evening out, all packed for Haliburton February 25, 1940 - Clara off for Haliburton February 27, 1940 - Clara at Haliburton March 20, 1940 - Clara back from Haliburton February 11, 1941 - Clara off for Haliburton March 3, 1941 - Clara phoned from Haliburton April 1, 1941 - Clara away to Haliburton April 10, 1941 - Clara home at 12 midnight

Clara sums it up:

"It takes a lot of hard work to bring Haliburton snows into the living room." from The Toronto Telegram, January 3, 1962 article, “Artist Leads Trend Oil Painting Gifts–Not Gold Watches”.