FEATURED ARTIST
- Jacqueline Bradshaw -
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Jacqueline (Jackie) Bradshaw was born and raised in the village of Eden Mills, Ontario. Her family has strong roots in the Waterloo region, where her parents met. She currently resides in Kitchener, Ontario.
Bradshaw’s artistic style is characterized by a folk aesthetic infused with a distinctive outsider perspective. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Maud Lewis and Henry Darger, she admires their remarkable ability to create richly self-contained worlds. Much like Maud Lewis, Bradshaw initially began making art from her home as a way to connect with the world beyond her immediate surroundings. Her work has been described as having a “visual coherence of chaos, which through dense, vibrant imagery illustrates the interconnectedness of the everyday.”
Bradshaw’s creative endeavors began with songwriting as her first form of self-expression. Over time, her creativity expanded into literature, culminating in her novel, Love Buzzards, a testament to her storytelling abilities.
A career shift following her transition from geriatrics to childcare sparked an unexpected passion for painting. Utilizing leftover paint from children's art supplies, she began experimenting with mirror-image techniques, which evolved into a distinct and compelling artistic practice. Initially informal and private, her work has grown into an extensive portfolio that has garnered exhibitions and increasing recognition.
Bradshaw is an active participant in the local art community. She has taught art courses at The Button Factory in Waterloo, Ontario, and is involved in community initiatives, including the "Saint George Street Sidewalk Gallery" and projects led by the Creek Collective, of which she is a member.
Currently, Bradshaw is transforming the interior of her home by painting it entirely in the vibrant and whimsical style of Maud Lewis. She views her artistic practice as a means of bringing peace and stillness to herself and to others, describing her work as a source of both mindfulness and joy.
Her paintings have reached private collections across the globe, with works held by collectors in the United States, China, Spain, and England.