Congratulations to Sandra Macgillivray for earning her place as a finalist in the 6th Edition!

Who are you?

I am a Canadian artist with a passion for figurative art. I first knew I would become an artist at a very young age, being severely dyslexic. I drew what I could not put into words. Back when I was a child people didn’t know about dyslexia so drawing storyboards for essays usually got me into trouble with the teachers. One day a librarian handed me an art book that featured the artist Escher and... finally I knew that there was a place for me in the world. His images of optical illusion and different approaches to viewing things were how my mind worked. His flip-flops of images are how I saw letters, numbers and images. I started to draw things with perspective but then began drawing the objects I saw flipped to challenge myself. In my teen years, I put colour to my drawings and would spend my time travailing on the subway back and forth to school, not reading like everyone else but rather sketching people on the train. I would draw their faces, daydreaming, thinking, sleeping, and hands grabbing poles, hands clutching purses I love my traveling time with pen and pad. I dabbled a bit with painting and that came so easily to me, I knew that this was what I was meant to do. However, coming from a traditional middle-class family a career path as an artist was not an option for me. So I channelled my love of drawing into studying technical Illustration at Sheridan College in Ontario which led me to a well-paying career in advertising. I then spent the next 25 years in advertising and design. I was very successful and enjoyed the work, however, I felt that I was always pushing down my desire to paint. Finally, I decided to listen to my heart and pick up a brush and start painting. 

My husband was blown away by my first painting and said “you mean to tell me that we have been married for 30 years and you could paint like this and never told me?” He then said that painting is what I needed to do. So we sold everything, downsized to live without a mortgage and started my career as an artist/painter. With every contest I win, and show where my work sells out, it validates my decision and that this is what I was meant to do. I am so thankful for the support of fellow artists and the art community, the collectors, buyers and art lovers who have helped me find my way. I have just started to enter the international markets and was so happy to be acknowledged in this contest. It was beyond my wildest dreams to be a finalist for the three-month residency in Italy. 

What inspired you to begin creating paintings?

What inspired me to start painting was a serious health issue that made me realize that I was running out of time to do what I have always known I was meant to do. You see I was living my life for everyone else and I knew from childhood that I was meant to paint.

What inspired you to use people as a subject matter?

As a child, I would go to events, such as church and sports games and would always end up being more interested in the expression on the people’s faces than watching what was actually happening at the event. To me, this is what told the more interesting story.

Can you discuss the inspiration and thought process behind "Anne Under Cover”?

The inspiration behind “Anne Under Cover” was the desire to create a different perspective on the traditional images of Anne of Green Gables by showing what went into the creating of the iconic image of Anne.
This painting is of the first day of what was to be Anne’s new life on the Island, as she lay sleeping under the covers of love. The other paintings in the collection (yet to be titled) are, Anne waiting to be picked up at the train station; Anne getting herself ready for the day, the iconic brads, ribbons and hat. Lastly, the joy of Anne finding a place to call home. At this point, the only "Anne Under Cover" is done and the other three are just roughs on pads and canvas waiting for paint to bring them to life.

Can you walk us through the physical creation of "Anne Under Cover"?

The physical creation of 'Anne Under Cover" began with my own thoughts of what she would be thinking/dreaming, on that first day of her new life at Green Gables. Being new to the island myself, I could relate to the excitement and anticipation of the future. I thought that the warmth and feeling of love being wrapped in a handmade quilt would convey this feeling. I intentionally did the back of Anne to help the viewer be able to put themselves in her place and experience what that might feel like. Then I needed to ask all my friends and followers to send in pics and scraps of pieces of material that they used in their quilt making. Luckily I have a lot of friends who make quilts. This was the fun part of the painting; as the pieces came in I would paint them with no rhyme or reason to the pattern. Much like the scrap quilts that were made from clothes that were worn out or outgrown.

How would you describe your work?

I paint in a realistic style pulling on texture, colour and lighting to create and tell a story, asking the viewer to stop for a moment and wonder why the piece was created. To engage with the viewer is always my goal. Otherwise, it is just to paint on canvas.

What is the message you want to send your audience with your work?

The message I try to send to the viewer is the beauty or feeling created in a moment in time; to freeze a moment into your mind’s eye what your physical eye sees.

What do you feel is your most successful piece to date? Why?

To date, I feel the proudest of my Collection "O Canada’. This was a collection of paintings that put an image to each of the verses of Canada’s national anthem. It took me an entire year to research and create the seven paintings and although I have had many offers on the individual paintings, I have held out in hopes that they will be purchased as a collection to hang where the public can see them.

Can you talk about your biggest learning experience during the process of creating your paintings?

For me, the biggest learning experience was staying true to the reason I paint. After taking a job as an Artist in Residence at a local Gallery, in a short time, I was starting to paint to please the owner and not my creative self. A true artist needs to paint what is in their heart, not what will give them a paycheck. Painting what is in your heart and mind is where the joy of art lives.

Can you discuss your biggest success since starting your artistic journey?

Being noticed in international competitions and being accepted into the Federation of Canadian Artists is both exciting and an honour.

What projects are you working on currently? Can you discuss them?

Becoming Anne…..and no peeking.

What is your dream project or piece you hope to accomplish?

To work on a painting that would gain international recognition and achieve funding while working on it.

Lastly, I like to ask everyone what advice they would give to their fellow artists/photographers, what is your advice?

Listen to your inner voice. It knows what the painting should become. Also, paint what you love; this will always resonate with the viewer.