Through her diverse mediums of paintings, photography, videos, and installations, Sandra explores the intricate relationship between place identity and the ever-evolving natural world.
Sandra’s academic background is as rich and diverse as her art. She holds a Masters in Environmental Studies with a focus on Urban Planning from York University, and she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Ottawa.
She also has studied the Sociology of Culture History at Carleton University, enriching her understanding of the social aspects of art.
Her career has seen her in the role of a professor at both the University of Ottawa, teaching Arts Administration, and at Carleton University, where she delves into Innovations in Education and Visual Arts Discourse. Beyond the classroom, Sandra is an avid speaker and workshop facilitator, specializing in the business of being a visual artist.
Exhibitions and Residencies
Sandra’s artistic footprint stretches across Canada and international waters. She has been a prominent figure in numerous juried exhibitions, such as In Search of Bearings at Ottawa’s Corridor 45/75 Gallery and the Metamorphosis exhibition of newly acquired artworks in the City of Ottawa Art Collection. Her work is celebrated in collections both at home and abroad, resonating with universal themes of environmental change.
Her commitment to her art is evidenced by her participation in esteemed artist residencies, including the Arctic Circle Arts and Sciences Expedition in Svalbard, Norway, and at the Banff Centre in Alberta, Canada. These experiences have not only broadened her artistic horizons but also infused her work with a unique global perspective.
Sandra is the author and self-publisher of two significant photo books: Sailing the Top of the World – Climate Change in the High Arctic, a photographic narrative of her voyages, and Global Forces – Intimate Spaces of the catalogue of her photomontage two-part series Arctic Crisis and Ecology of Narrative Space. She is also the author of The Business of Art – Visual Artists in Canada, a guide aimed at helping artists navigate their careers. These publications showcase her dual passion for art and environmental activism.
Throughout her illustrious career, Sandra has garnered numerous accolades, including being named one of the ArtTour International Top 60 Masters in Contemporary Art. She is also a proud recipient of multiple Ontario Arts Council Exhibition Assistance grants and an elected member of the Society of Canadian Artists.
Sandra is honored to have her work featured in several prestigious online international galleries. These platforms provide a wonderful opportunity to connect with a broader audience and share her creations with art enthusiasts around the globe.
Sandra’s work continues to inspire and provoke thought among audiences and peers alike. For inquiries about collaborations, commissions, or speaking engagements, please reach out using contact information below or through the contact form.
Mobile: +1 613 820-0783
Email: shawkins@rogers.com