Charles van Sandwyk

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Charles van Sandwyk (born 1966) is a Canadian artist, illustrator and author.

Born in South Africa, 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 Tavewa Island, eight hours by boat from Fiji's main island of Viti Levu.

Some of van Sandwyck's paintings hang in the National Library of Canada, as well as in several important private collections. He is also 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" and "The Wind in the Willows."

[edit] 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 "How to See Fairies" 2nd print exactly as 1st
1994 "Wee Folk" Seattle Bookfair Award winner
1995 10th anniversary edition of "Neighbourly Birds"
1996 "Sketches From a Tropic Isle"
1997 "Pocket Guide to the Little People"
1998 "Als Die Vogel das Paradise - Suchten"
1999 "Animal Wisdom"
2000 "The Gnome King's Treasure Song"
2001 "The Fairies Christmas" with an extra signed illustration.
2001 "The Fairies Christmas"
2002 "The Meaning of Mice"
2003 Illustrated: "The Blue Fairy Book" for the Folio Society
2004 "Mr. Rabbit's Christmas Wish"
2005 Illustrated: "The Wind In The Willows" for the Folio Society
2005 An illustration in: "Hans Christian Andersen, The Complete Tales" for the Folio Society
2006 "How To See Fairies" An Anniversary Edition of 65 copies
2007 "Twenty-One Years Twenty-One Prints & Suites"
2007 "The Simple line"