Spotlight on Art at the Airport with Artist Emily Pittman

If you're from this province, seeing those beautiful saltbox houses sprinkled among the rugged landscape as you fly in are a cheerful reminder that you're home sweet home. And if you're not, they're a sure sign that you're about to land somewhere special.

Visual artist Emily Pittman has taken the iconic saltbox house and transformed it into a contemporary welcome as part of the Art at the Airport initiative.

First conceptualized and created as a smaller, temporary installation during an artist residency on Fogo Island, her 10-foot aluminum sculpture First Sign not only helps create a sense of arrival when one touches down at St. John’s International Airport, it also reflects the landscape, heritage and architecture that helps define this special place.

From inspiration to installation, Emily recently shared some more insights with Business & Arts NL.

The team at Leaman Signs installing First Sign at St. John’s International Airport.

Business & Arts NL: When you learned you were one of the artists chosen to create artwork at St. John’s International Airport, what were your initial thoughts about the kind of piece you wanted to create?

Emily Pittman: I was so excited to learn that I’d been selected, and the theme of gateways and transitions felt like a perfect fit. I wanted to create something that would act as a gateway to the province and would resonate with travellers when they arrive. I also knew I wanted to build on the ideas I explored during my residency at Fogo Island Arts in 2021, and the first iteration of this work was a small, outdoor installation I made during this time. First Sign takes this work and reimagines it as a landmark for one of the province’s most important points of arrival.

Business & Arts NL: What were some of your local inspirations for your piece First Sign?

Emily Pittman: The biggest inspiration was the iconic saltbox house. I was interested in taking a form that’s instantly recognizable in Newfoundland and Labrador and transforming it through geometric abstraction into something contemporary.

First Sign by Emily Pittman.

Business & Arts NL: If your piece could speak to those who are coming to visit the province for the first time, what would it say?

Emily Pittman: I think it would say “Welcome,” or maybe “Welcome home.” The title refers to that initial glimpse of this province’s unique character, the first sign that you’ve arrived somewhere new. I hope the work sparks curiosity and offers visitors an introduction to the place they’ll encounter during their time here.

Business & Arts NL: Speaking of bold colours, how did you go about choosing which ones to incorporate into this piece?

Emily Pittman: The colours are drawn from both traditional architecture and the local landscape. I was thinking about heritage reds, Atlantic blues, foggy greys and warm sunset oranges. I wanted the palette to feel rooted in Newfoundland and Labrador while also being vibrant enough to create a strong visual presence at the airport.

An alternate view of First Sign.

Business & Arts NL: For those who call this place home, what do you hope they will take away from this installation as they walk through the exit plaza?

Emily Pittman: I hope it creates a small moment of recognition that you’ve arrived home, a familiar shape or comforting colour that confirms where you’ve landed and the place you’ve returned to.

Business & Arts NL: Is there anything you’d like to add about this installation or being involved with this particular project?

Emily Pittman: This project is especially meaningful to me because it is the first time I’ve worked with sculpture at such a large scale. The fabrication team at Leaman’s were fantastic, and they helped bring my idea from a concept to a larger-than-life installation. It was a dream come true to experience, and the support of everyone involved, especially Business & Arts NL who do such incredible things for artists in this province, made this project a success.

Is your municipality or organization considering incorporating public art into your next project? Visit Business & Arts NL's website (https://businessandartsnl.com/resources) for public art resources and toolkits, including our new Unlocking Public Art in NL: Public Art Funding and Planning Primer, which outlines practical approaches to funding, multi-sector partnerships and strategic planning.