Haocun Cao
Haocun (Sandra) Cao holds a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management and worked in the field of HR for over seven years until November 2017, when her life took an unexpected turn. The sudden passing of her mother deeply affected her, leading her to reassess her life and career.
Several months later, Sandra saw some paintings displayed in an art studio accidentally, which ignited a spark within her. Feeling rejuvenated, she decided to learn how to paint and draw. She pursued this newfound passion by enrolling in the Fine Arts Studio program at Centennial College, where she studied from September 2022 to June 2024. In March 2024, she was accepted into OCAD University’s Bachelor of Fine Arts program in Drawing and Painting, where she will continue her studies in the fall of 2024.
In 2023, Sandra worked as an art instructor for summer camps organized by the Tzu Chi Foundation Canada and an after-school program at an elementary school. Previously, she worked for the Provincial Government in New Brunswick and multinational companies in Shanghai, China such as Christian Dior, Sanofi Pharmaceuticals and Qiming Venture Partners, etc.
ARTIST’S STATEMENT
Creating art became a therapeutic outlet for me during the pandemic, and it has evolved into a profound passion over time. My inspiration springs from personal life experiences, including significant relationship changes and travels. My work primarily explores themes of change and relationships, delving into the emotional reactions from a woman’s perspective.
I am particularly captivated by how women navigate life's transformations, such as the loss of a family member, the end of an intimate relationship, and the complex interplay between self, others, nature, time, and religion. Through my art, I express my reflections and emotions on these multifaceted changes and relationships, offering a glimpse into my inner world and inviting viewers to connect with their own experiences.
Haocun (Sandra) Cao holds a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management and worked in the field of HR for over seven years until November 2017, when her life took an unexpected turn. The sudden passing of her mother deeply affected her, leading her to reassess her life and career.
Several months later, Sandra saw some paintings displayed in an art studio accidentally, which ignited a spark within her. Feeling rejuvenated, she decided to learn how to paint and draw. She pursued this newfound passion by enrolling in the Fine Arts Studio program at Centennial College, where she studied from September 2022 to June 2024. In March 2024, she was accepted into OCAD University’s Bachelor of Fine Arts program in Drawing and Painting, where she will continue her studies in the fall of 2024.
In 2023, Sandra worked as an art instructor for summer camps organized by the Tzu Chi Foundation Canada and an after-school program at an elementary school. Previously, she worked for the Provincial Government in New Brunswick and multinational companies in Shanghai, China such as Christian Dior, Sanofi Pharmaceuticals and Qiming Venture Partners, etc.
ARTIST’S STATEMENT
Creating art became a therapeutic outlet for me during the pandemic, and it has evolved into a profound passion over time. My inspiration springs from personal life experiences, including significant relationship changes and travels. My work primarily explores themes of change and relationships, delving into the emotional reactions from a woman’s perspective.
I am particularly captivated by how women navigate life's transformations, such as the loss of a family member, the end of an intimate relationship, and the complex interplay between self, others, nature, time, and religion. Through my art, I express my reflections and emotions on these multifaceted changes and relationships, offering a glimpse into my inner world and inviting viewers to connect with their own experiences.
$800.00
Acrylic on canvas.
24x36"
I blend realism with abstract elements to convey my journey through time. The background is a mix of dark, cold and warm colors with abstract shapes and raindrops, representing the ever-changing nature of time and life's ups and downs. The self-figure is meticulously detailed, conveying that sometimes only me is real while the surroundings seem unreal to me. Past, present, and future are like three distinct time zones for me—they are separated yet interconnected. Sometimes, I find myself confused about which time zone I am in, especially when I am obsessed with the past or worried about the future. In those moments, I am neither in the present nor truly living in the moment.
The abstract elements around my figure evoke the sensation of being inside a time machine, with hints of different eras blending into one another. This dynamic interplay between the abstract and the realistic draws viewers into my experience of transitioning between these time zones.
"Time Traveller" serves as a reminder to myself to live in the now, not to dwell in the past or worry about the future. Through this piece, I hope to share my own temporal journey and inspire others to embrace the present and find balance in their own lives.
$500.00
Acrylic on canvas.
24x18"
Every time when I play piano, I feel that the music is not coming from me, but flowing through me from the Holy Spirit. Through all my life, my endeavors and moments of vulnerability, I realize Jesus is always there, behind me and supporting me in every step of my path. This painting is my visual testament, expressing how deeply connected I feel with God.
$500.00
Acrylic on canvas.
16x20"
I wanted to express how she views the world through her art and life.