Photographer stages show inspired by the pandemic
Alexandra Sandison encourages others to ‘embrace their artistic side’ in this difficult time
Many artists have taken time off the past few months to reflect.
Alexandra Sandison is an artist living in St. Catharines who primarily expresses herself through photography.
She has 11 pieces of work on display at Mahtay Café on St. Paul Street.
Sandison said she does not limit herself to one type of camera. Her latest show has works shot in film and some taken digitally. She said she is also getting into more instant Polaroidstyle photography.
“I like capturing the moment,” said Sandison.
She was drawn to photography over other mediums because “photos are most realistic.”
“They are more about being in the moment.”
Sandison’s current show has a mix of types. There are landscapes, self-portraits, colour photos and black and whites.
She said the pandemic gave her inspiration indirectly.
“As the world quieted down, so did my mind,” she said.
Sandison said she “found some peace in capturing things as they defer to a natural state.”
As a parent, Sandison said it can be difficult to find time for making art.
“It’s important to embrace your artistic side.”
Sandison grew up in the Niagara area and took art classes at Rodman Hall.
Following high school, she pursued an education in the fine arts, graduating from University of Toronto in 2010. She then completed post-graduate studies in museum management and curatorship at Flem
ing College in 2011.
She has had her work on display at various locales around the Greater Toronto Area such as Niagara Artists Centre, Fine Grind Cafe, University of Toronto Arts Centre and Alternative Grounds Coffee House in Toronto.
Sandison said it has been difficult to showcase her work during the pandemic. She said artists have to compete for the limited spots available, as many locations that show art across the city have shut down.
Chris Lowes, owner of Mahtay Café, said his business has always displayed art on its walls, other than a brief period when it was shut down.
“Since we have been open it has always been a part,” said Lowes.
He said he was concerned about showing art again and having the café shut down, leaving artists shut out.
Lowes said art displayed in the café can have a big impact.
“It adds some fun and excitement. When it changes, it changes the feeling inside the café. The art also adds a connection to the local community.”
The café is open seven days a week and the art will be on display until the end of the month.
Sandison said most of the pictures she has on display were taken this year.
Two pieces stand out to her. One she called “Abandonee.” It’s a black-and-white photo of Century Manor in Hamilton.
Another is called “Through the fog” and is a landscape done in colour taking in a rural setting. Sandison said she liked how the photo “captured nature in a very peaceful and natural state.”
In her artistic statement accompanying the show, Sandison wrote: “This specific series relates to themes of the passing of time, peace and medication. A quiet time, yet bustling with change.
“Nature remains untouched in some areas which reveals its beautiful silence.”