Six Paintings Telling Tales of Plaid in Canada

Growing up in the 1970s in a province known for its trees and logging, I became deeply familiar with the Canadian uniform of plaid. My father worked in the forestry industry, and he wore those heavy wool plaid jackets with metal snaps—the quintessential attire for his trade. Plaid was everywhere, from the beaches littered with runaway logs to the backs of loggers, lumberjacks, and fishermen. But the tradition of plaid in Canada reaches back much further than my childhood memories.

Plaid’s roots in Canada trace back to Scottish immigrants who brought their tartan patterns with them to Nova Scotia. These early settlers, struggling to survive in a new and rugged land, carried with them not only their fabrics but their values of hard work, community, and perseverance. The plaid flannel shirt evolved into a symbol of the Canadian Everyman—approachable, hardworking, and unpretentious. It evokes a sense of homegrown authenticity, embodying the spirit of “nice Canadians” who work together for the common good.

Over the decades, plaid has been worn by some of Canada’s most iconic figures—from the fictional Bob and Doug McKenzie and the famous Quinlan Quints to the legendary Neil Young, the elder statesman of flannel. The plaid shirt has become an unofficial emblem of Canada itself, representing the land of the True North, strong and free. It’s a fabric that transcends divisions. Plaid isn’t just one color—it’s red, blue, black, and white—a patchwork that mirrors Canada’s diverse yet unified identity.

Plaid’s resurgence today, especially among the youth of 2024, underscores its lasting appeal. Companies like Dixxon Flannel have breathed new life into the fabric, infusing it with pop culture flair and turning it into a fashion statement for a new generation. Plaid, once the uniform of loggers and fishermen, now proudly adorns the backs of men and women from all walks of life, whether at work, at the opera, on the outdoor rink, or even on a wedding night. It’s no wonder Elon Musk named his premium Tesla the PLAID model X.

As a Canadian artist dedicated to telling the stories of the Canadian experience, plaid has naturally woven itself into my work. From still life to larger explorations of Canadian identity, plaid serves as a visual metaphor for the strength, warmth, and resilience of the people who wear it. Most recently, I completed a still life of two plaid shirts hanging on a stark white wall—a quiet homage to this enduring symbol of Canadian culture.

Brandy Saturley wearing her Dixxon flannel plaid shirt, 2024.

Here are six paintings that tell the tale of plaid in Canada and beyond, offering a glimpse into how this simple fabric continues to inspire and connect us.