The iconic pair of large boulders painted as eyes overlooking Nova Scotia’s Highway 103 will soon disappear as the province prepares to expand the highway. Jason Smith, one of the original artists involved in creating the “eyeball rocks,” expressed mixed feelings about their imminent removal. Smith, along with his friend Neil and their children, painted the rocks in October 2017 when the area was cleared, revealing the boulders.
Initially intending to paint emojis on the rocks, they switched to creating eyes after an encounter with a highway supervisor. The rocks quickly gained recognition and became an unofficial landmark along the highway, alongside other painted rocks like a cartoon frog and a cat in Maud Lewis’s style.
Despite not being responsible for other highway art pieces, Smith and Neil have diligently maintained and added touches to the eyes over the years. The decision to blast the boulders has stirred emotions among the local community, with some expressing sadness at their impending removal while others remain hopeful for new artwork to emerge after the construction.
Gary Andrea, a spokesperson for the Department of Public Works, confirmed that the rocks are set to be demolished later this month to ensure the safety of drivers on the highway. While Smith is disappointed by the outcome, he views the memories and pictures of the painted rocks as a lasting legacy. The artists have decided to step out of anonymity as they bid farewell to the beloved “eyeball rocks.”
