About the Artist

Into the studio I go, to lose my mind and find my soul. I pop on my headphones, grab my brush and press play on the first song in my play list. Then I disappear into another world…

Art has always been my way of processing; it’s been my escape and my therapy. I have found painting to be very healing and sharing it, I’ve recognized brings joy and healing to others as well. Every time I paint, I grow and discover a new part of myself.

Most of my paintings colourfully celebrate nature in some way or express a particular emotion. Colour I find is a simple and yet powerful form of communication, it creates impact, depth and portrays a wide range of emotions. I’m inspired when listening to music, walks in nature, conversations with friends or quiet time when I can reflect. My materials and approach can vary slightly, depending on my desired intention. Going from planning every detail or just going with the flow, intuitively allowing the process to happen. I have always enjoyed using acrylic paint for its viscosity and flexibility. Recently I’ve been experimenting in resins, micas, and spray paint. I apply the paint to everything from large ridged cradled panels to smaller gesso boards and traditional canvases.

My artistic philosophy is to enjoy the healing process of creating and expressing life in full colour, while creating work that is also reflected on and enjoyed by others. 

Canadian artist, S.J. Dopheide discovered a love for art from an early age. Drawing came naturally, and along with a love for nature, many wildlife related sketches made their way into her sketchbooks. As her love for drawing instinctively transitioned into painting, she quickly realized acrylic paint to be her preferred medium. 

Maintaining a lifelong passion for art and creativity, S.J.'s interests in computer generated art and technology led her to pursue a post-secondary career in Multimedia, Animation and Computer Graphic design. Graduating with high honours, she was hired as a Multimedia Producer by a T.V. and Media organization. Today, S.J. alongside her husband operate a successful company serving the aggregate and processing industries where she facilitates a Website Administrator and Marketing roll.

Over the years, S.J's career has included pet portrait commissions, winning third place in The Chrysler Search for Canadian Wildlife Artists, offering her time as a face painter to raise funds for Sick Kids and donating paintings to various auctions and events. She also provided an after-school arts program for young children and has hosted private adult workshops teaching acrylic and resin techniques. S.J. strongly believes in the therapeutic effects of art and that art is for everyone at any skill level.

S.J.'s art continues to grow, where her first interests lied in wildlife and pet portraiture, she now expands into a colourful world of landscape, flora, and abstract work. Currently, she is exploring different techniques and incorporating them into her paintings resulting in contemporary and dynamic pieces.