Charles van Sandwyk
Encyclopedia
Charles van Sandwyk is a Canadian artist, illustrator and author.
, van Sandwyk was exposed to art from an early age, as his father was a graphic designer. At age 12, he emigrated to Canada
where his family settled in Deep Cove
, North Vancouver, British Columbia
. While a high school student he earned income by performing for children as a magician and unicyclist. His artistic ability began while still in elementary school, where he was an exceptional calligrapher, a talent which he still uses in his illustrations to this day. He experimented with copper plate etchings as a teen, and developed his unique style. He studied commercial art at Capilano College
. At age 19, he travelled to Fiji
and developed a deep connection with the South Pacific. For a number of years, he spent several months annually on the tiny island of Tavewa
, eight hours by boat from Fiji's main island of Viti Levu
.
Some of van Sandwyk's paintings hang in the National Library of Canada, as well as in several important private collections. He is the author and illustrator of several books including The Parade to Paradise, How to See Fairies, and Sketches from the Dream Island of Birds. He has provided illustrations for Folio Society
editions of The Blue Fairy Book, The Wind in the Willows
, and a Limited Centenary Edition of Wind In The Willows.
Background
Born in South AfricaSouth Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
, van Sandwyk was exposed to art from an early age, as his father was a graphic designer. At age 12, he emigrated to Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
where his family settled in Deep Cove
Deep Cove, North Vancouver
Deep Cove refers to both the community in the easternmost part of the District of North Vancouver, in British Columbia, Canada, and also the geographic name of the small bay beside the town. It is affectionately referred to as "The Cove" by local residents. Located at the foot of Mount Seymour,...
, North Vancouver, British Columbia
British Columbia
British Columbia is the westernmost of Canada's provinces and is known for its natural beauty, as reflected in its Latin motto, Splendor sine occasu . Its name was chosen by Queen Victoria in 1858...
. While a high school student he earned income by performing for children as a magician and unicyclist. His artistic ability began while still in elementary school, where he was an exceptional calligrapher, a talent which he still uses in his illustrations to this day. He experimented with copper plate etchings as a teen, and developed his unique style. He studied commercial art at Capilano College
Capilano College
Capilano University is an undergraduate-focused, public, coeducational, teaching-intensive university located in the District of North Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada. It is enabled by the University Act...
. At age 19, he travelled to Fiji
Fiji
Fiji , officially the Republic of Fiji , is an island nation in Melanesia in the South Pacific Ocean about northeast of New Zealand's North Island...
and developed a deep connection with the South Pacific. For a number of years, he spent several months annually on the tiny island of Tavewa
Tavewa
Tavewa is an island of the Yasawa Islands, measuring approximately 3 kilometres long by 1 km wide. It is part of the Nacula District that lies north-west of the Fijian island of Viti Levu.- Tourism :...
, eight hours by boat from Fiji's main island of Viti Levu
Viti Levu
Viti Levu is the largest island in the Republic of Fiji, the site of the nation's capital, Suva, and home to a large majority of Fiji's population.- Geography and economy :...
.
Some of van Sandwyk's paintings hang in the National Library of Canada, as well as in several important private collections. He is the author and illustrator of several books including The Parade to Paradise, How to See Fairies, and Sketches from the Dream Island of Birds. He has provided illustrations for Folio Society
Folio Society
The Folio Society is a book club based in London that produces new editions of classic books. Their books are notable for their high quality bindings and original illustrations...
editions of The Blue Fairy Book, The Wind in the Willows
The Wind in the Willows
The Wind in the Willows is a classic of children's literature by Kenneth Grahame, first published in 1908. Alternately slow moving and fast paced, it focuses on four anthropomorphised animal characters in a pastoral version of England...
, and a Limited Centenary Edition of Wind In The Willows.
Partial list of publications
- 1986 A Collection of Neighbourly Birds
- 1991 Affairs of the Heart According to Birds
- 1992 The Parade to Paradise Raincoast / Smithmark Books
- 1992 The Parade to Paradise [signed, with an etching]
- 1992 Affairs of the Heart According to Birds
- 1993 How to See Fairies
- 1994 Wee Folk Seattle Bookfair Award winner
- 1995 Sketches From the Dream Island of Birds
- 1996 Sketches From a Tropic Isle
- 1997 Pocket Guide to the Little People
- 1999 Animal Wisdom
- 2000 The Gnome King's Treasure Song
- 2001 The Fairies Christmas
- 2002 The Meaning of Mice
- 2004 Mr. Rabbit's Christmas Wish
- 2007 Twenty-One Years, Twenty-One Prints & Suites
- 2007 The Simple Line
- 2008 Mr Rabbit's Symphony of Nature
External links
- Charles van Sandwyck fonds at Library and Archives Canada
- Bio and Books at Books Tell You Why