Meet Sandee Ewasiuk | Artist; Painter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sandee Ewasiuk and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sandee, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I think I’ve finally figured out the perfect work life balance for me. There are many highs and lows in the life of an artist, both emotionally and financially. The past few years have taught me to work very long hard days, weeks, even months during the busy times, and allow myself have down time to relax, and recharge when work is slower. I realize that the creative side of my brain really does need a rest to be productive and to come up with new, fresh ideas. I’m fortunate that as a painter my work really is my passion, and that even when I’m not in the studio my mind is always on my art. For many years the goal for me was about selling. There’s a shift now where the creating the art is just as important or even more important than selling. Don’t get me wrong, its still wonderful and exciting when someone finds a painting that they love and it goes out the door! I guess its my focus that has changed over time.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I believe to be a successful artist, like with any career, you have to put in your hours. And I’ve certainly done that. I don’t believe it’s something your born with or something that can happen over night. Not for most people anyway. I graduated from the Ontario College of Art and Design in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, where I majored in editorial illustration. I did some work in the field of illustration but I learned that I loved to paint and and that I loved to paint large scale. And so my paintings are really large illustrations. They tell stories. Sometimes the stories are obvious and sometimes they’re not. It doesn’t really matter. But I think thats what sets me apart from others. I’ve developed a style that people recognize as my own.
It’s not easy being an artist. There are lots of rejections along the way. I’ve learned to overcome that by realizing that there will be people that like your work and people that won’t.
My story is one of taking chances, and believing in yourself, And when you find a passion that makes you tick, give it 100%. Just keep pushing.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in an area that has lots to offer so that would be pretty easy. I live in Hamilton, Ontario which is rich with culture and also green space. Therefore a week would involve a nice hike on the Bruce Trail and/or at the Royal Botanical Gardens, followed by coffee at one of the local roasters or lunch at a locally sourced restaurant. At some point it would be fun to walk down Locke Street, just around the corner from my place, and do a bit of shopping in the boutique shops there. Hitting a few of the local wineries in the Niagara Region might also be on the agenda and then of course visiting some galleries with the work of local artists would be a must. We have a great music scene here as well, so if we had energy to spare, we could venture over to one of the local clubs to take in some live music. Or, if the weather is nice, a backyard dinner party would be fun too.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
That’s a very good question and my top answer would be my family. From my parents, to my husband to my kids, they have all been my biggest support over the years. And they continue to be today. Secondly my friends, artist friends and others, who I’ve spent hours and hours with discussing the life of an artist, sharing those highs and lows.
I wouldn’t be where I am without all of this support.

Website: www.sandeeewasiuk.ca

Instagram: @sewasiuk or @sewasiukfineart

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SandeeEwasiuk

Other: email: sewasiuk@sympatico.ca