Sandra Tarantino

Sandra Tarantino received a Bachelor of Fine Arts through the Ontario College of Art and Design as well as Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Psychology, and Bachelor of Education. She has actively participated in the artistic community as Founder and Director of C1 art space (2004-2011) and Co-Founding Director of AWOL Gallery and Studios (1996-2012). She is a past recipient of the Visual Artist Grant (2007, 2005, 2003), Exhibition Assistance Grant (2006, 2005) and Artist in Education Grant (2008 to 2012) from the Ontario Arts Council. She currently teaches children, youth and adults in a variety of mediums, including mural creation, mixed media painting and ceramic sculpture with Avenue Road Arts School, VIBE Arts and with other organizations. Tarantino continues to exhibit her paintings, shaped canvases, ceramic sculptures and other mixed media works with pieces held in private and corporate collections across Canada, U.S.A and Europe.

The Catharsis Series is a continuing body of work from recent years of ceramic sculptural wall pieces that hold metaphorical symbolism through figurative pieces and birds sculptures. The series looks at both personal and others narratives revolving around themes of release and liberation, nurturing versus confinement, and movement beyond restrictions and expectations towards paths that are free.