About Me

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 workedfor the Provincial Government in New Brunswick and multinational companies in Shanghai, Chinasuch as Christian Dior, Sanofi Pharmaceuticals and Qiming Venture Partners, etc.

Artist Statement

Haocun (Sandra) Cao

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.

Education

Sept 2024-Present – Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drawing and Painting (Honours)
OCAD University

Sept 2022 – June 2024 – Diploma in Fine Arts Studio, with Honours
Centennial College, Toronto

2012 – Masters degree in Human Resources Management
Renmin University of China, China

2003 – Bachelor degree in English Linguistics and Literature
Shanghai International Studies University, China

Group Exhibition

Sept 2024 – ArtWalk in the Square 2024, CF Shops at Don Mills, Toronto

Aug 2024 – Summer Exhibition, Gallery 1313, Toronto

June 2024 – Learning to See, 4-person art show at Mill Pond Gallery, Richmond Hill

June 2024 – The Story of Us art show by Story Arts Centre Centennial at Fairview Library Theatre, Toronto

April 2024 – It’s Not Easy Being Green group art show at Northern Contemporary Gallery, Toronto

April 2024 – Flight Pattern group art show at Leslie Grove Gallery, Toronto

Mar 2024 – Keeping Dreams group art show WAAC（Women’s Art Association of Canada）Dignam Gallery, Toronto

Sep 2023 – Mural painting at library of Story Arts Centre for Nuit Blanche, Centennial College, Toronto

Aug 2023 – Artist in Residence and art show at Mill Pond Art Gallery, Richmond Hill

Mar 2023 – Decomposition group art show at Leslie Grove Art Gallery, Toronto

Nov 2022 – Corridor Art Gallery Show at Story Arts Centre Campus, Centennial college, Toronto

Oct 2022 – Space Oddity, Nuit Blanche, Story Arts Centre Campus, Centennial College, Toronto

Oct 2022 – Participated as a Caricature artist for Homecoming 2022 , Progress Campus, Centennial College

April 2022 – Online Auction for the Multicultural Association of Fredericton for Newcomer Scholarship Fundraiser

Award

April 2024 – Dean’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Award 2024, Centennial College