Sandra Jane Shaw’s journey into the, what seemed to her, mysterious world of art has been an Odyssey of exploration and discovery. The magic that happens when she uses her eyes, hands, heart and imagination to create an “object d’art” gives her profound feelings of delight and joy. When the “right” solution to a creative problem appears, her solar plexus flutters. She believes this feeling is the bases for the expression “Tickle my Fancy”.
Sandra received a B.A from the University of California, Berkeley. While teaching third grade in Daly City, where she intermingled Art into most subjects, she attended evening art classes through San Francisco State.
After moving to British Columbia in 1968, Sandra explored various media through the local Community Centres, Kwatlan College, and Emily Carr extension program. Sandra completed a Master’s of Arts Degree in Art Education. Her thesis was based on the search for personal imagery in her art.
As a Teacher on Call for grades K-12, she used every opportunity to bring Art into the classroom. A large “Learning Mural” with everyone involved is her favourite activity. Sandra had the privilege of being an Artist in the School for the Richmond School District. Carting her paintings to the various schools and discussing them with the children was an exhilarating experience.
Sandra acted as Curator for the Douglas College Foyer Gallery for five years. She has also curated art exhibits for the Unitarian Church in Vancouver, B.C.
The Richond Art Gallery, the New Westminster Public Library and the Unitarian Church each hosted One Woman shows of Sandra Jane’s work. She has participated in a number of group shows: The UBC Master’s Degree class and the group DIFFERENCES were held at the Robson Media Centre. DIFFERENCEs held a show on a vacant floor of Park Place for Vancouver’s Centennial. Sandra displayed two satin ribbon quilts in the “Made by Hand’ craft show at the Planetarium. This led to her doing a life-size painting of her mother at 10 years old with her mother for the “Woman Size” show. Other group shows include the New Westminster Arts Council and the Douglas College Foyer Gallery.
Sandra has been a member of Avenue of the Arts for over twenty-five years. She has enjoyed the challenge and thrill of having her creativity sparked by the many group theme shows Ava has hosted over the years. The pleasure of being involved creatively with fellow artists is unmeasurable.