wcm profile
Tanya Slingsby
Tanya Slingsby is a respected local artist who is also the owner of Little Sprout Studios. Here, in her own words, she tells us about her passions, pursuits and peccadilloes. Tell us a little about yourself. For the past 11 years I have been a visual artist. Primarily, I am a painter and sculptor, but I also teach painting to adults and teens, and art exploration to infants and toddlers. I’m happily married with one child, Gabriel, who is now 15 months old. Where were you born? I was born on Saltspring Island in the Gulf Islands. I have lived abroad on and off, but mostly in Vancouver since 1997. Any post-secondary education? B.A. in Art History and Liberal Arts at University of Victoria, Asia Pacific Studies at SFU, and Master of Arts in Art History and Philosophy of Art from the University of Sussex, UK.
Book(s) you’re reading? I just read Room, a novel by Emma Donoghue and am now reading Fugitive Pieces by Anne Michaels. What are you most proud of? My son and husband, family and friends. Favourite thing to do when by yourself? It used to be traveling, but I do still love to exercise, listen to music and window shop.
What drew you to visual art as a profession? I’ve been painting since I was seven and have loved the arts since childhood. When I was younger, I never thought I could paint for a living, so I majored in art history and criticism instead of painting. It was after my mother died of ovarian cancer at 49 years of age that I chose to pursue my dream and planned out my first independent painting exhibition, despite my fears.
Favourite thing to do with your family? Be at the beach, or on a boat in the sunshine.
How do you come up with your ideas for subjects? Most of my inspiration comes from human and spiritual emotions—often as they interact with or react to nature and the passage of time.
What do you love most about being a mom? Mornings together in bed.
How did your current business come about? I began painting full time in 2003. I started doing commission work for interior designers and my work was carried by Liberty (Vancouver) and Artforte Gallery (Seattle). Since then I’ve been fortunate to be represented by several local and international galleries, and art consultants. In 2011, I began teaching group classes in beginner and intermediate painting. I also partnered with Christine Deckert, an artist and art educator, to create Little Sprout Studios. As mothers, we found a need for fun, safe, participatory art discovery classes for new parents and their little ones. We now offer classes for children six months to three years near downtown Vancouver. What’s your favourite thing about living in Vancouver? Vancouver is pretty safe, beautiful and trying to be more sustainable. We also have wonderful friends here who deeply enrich our lives. What’s your favourite thing about living in your neighbourhood? East Vancouver’s community is family-oriented and central to everywhere. How has becoming a mother changed your professional/personal goals? Time management, being more efficient with my work time and planning out logistics. It can be a delicate balance and it requires a lot more patience now. Are you an animal person? If so, what type? I love animals, all types. We have two cats and they are part of our family.
32 WestCoastFamilies.com
The one thing you wish you could change/improve about yourself? Learn more—more languages, more skills—sailing, fencing or riding a motorbike…
What do you like least about being a mom? Lack of sleep. Favourite local hangout? I have two: Marche St. George on East 28th and The Outpost Cafe on Fraser. How would you describe your mothering style? I try to be a Zen mom as much as I can, peaceful and patient—though it doesn’t work all the time! I’m pretty sure I would also be considered a Social mom—we love entertaining and Gabriel is a big part of our social lives. The thing(s) you absolutely must have with you at all times. I hate to say it, but my phone—I never felt it was a necessity until after we had our son. It is reassuring for me to know I can call someone if we are ever in distress. If I could have sunshine with me all the time, that would be pretty fabulous! Favourite meal to eat with your family? (Or the one you make most often?) We don’t have a particular favourite meal, but we love Moroccan and Indian food. Anything else we should know about you? I’m a co-founder of Mom is the Word, an annual charity event that raises funds for various cancer organizations. For more info on Tanya’s painting, visit www.tanyaslingsby.com. For more info on Little Sprout Studios, visit www.littlesproutstudios.com.