Arts Council Wood Buffalo is thrilled to welcome Sukhmandeep Singh as Artist in Residence from March 17-April 4, 2025. We spoke with Sukhmandeep to learn more about his life, his work as an artist, and what he hopes to accomplish during his residency.
ACWB: Tell us about your connection to Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo and what excites you about being our first Artist in Residence of 2025.
Sukhmandeep: I moved to Fort McMurray in April 2023, originally as a worker looking for job opportunities. I am from India, and my primary goal was to secure a job and build a life here. However, I never abandoned my passion for art. I continued painting alongside my work, and my journey as an artist in this town began with a small volunteer project: painting windows at Tim Hortons for their Camp Day event. It was an opportunity I took out of love for my craft, and the positive response from the community was overwhelming.
Soon after, people began approaching me with painting requests for schools and daycare window murals. The following year, I again volunteered for face painting at Tim Hortons’ Camp Day, and once again, I was met with a fantastic response. This led to more invitations for face painting at local festivals, family functions, and birthdays. I also began gaining attention on social media, which opened more doors for me.
One of the most significant milestones was when the owner of all McDonald's locations in Fort McMurray invited me to paint a mini truck. He was so impressed with my work, and that moment made me realize just how much this town has supported my growth as an artist. Fort McMurray has offered me incredible opportunities, and being in a smaller, less populated town has allowed me to reach a wider audience, share my talents, and build connections that I may not have had the chance to elsewhere.
Thanks to the supportive community here, I’ve come to recognize that I am not just someone who enjoys art—I am an artist whose work is appreciated by many. I feel truly blessed to now be a part of the Artist in Residence program, and I’m excited for the opportunities it will bring to further my career and continue connecting with the people of Fort McMurray.
What excites me about being part of the Artist in Residence program is the chance to further develop my art in a town that has given me so much support. I’m looking forward to connecting with local artists and exploring how my work can reflect the unique spirit of Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo.
ACWB: How did you get started as a visual artist?
Sukhmandeep: Art has been my passion since childhood. Growing up, I was always involved in art workshops, exhibitions, and competitions, where I frequently won awards and recognition. In my hometown in India, I was honoured with awards for transforming empty spaces into beautiful, artistic areas where people could gather and spend their free time. This was one of my proudest moments as an artist.
As I grew older and took on more responsibilities, I realized that pursuing art as a career in rural India, where opportunities for artists were limited, wasn’t feasible. To support my family, I decided to move abroad for higher studies. After arriving in Canada in 2021, I focused on my education but continued creating art on canvas at home. Upon graduating, I moved to Fort McMurray, Alberta, to find work, and that’s when my journey as an artist truly began. From window paintings and face paintings to canvas and wall art, the opportunities in this town allowed me to pursue my passion, and my career as an artist took off from there.
ACWB: What do you hope to do during your residency?
Sukhmandeep: During my residency, I plan to host workshops that combine both art and crafts, providing an opportunity for the community to engage with creative activities. These workshops will be a way for me to share my skills and encourage others to explore their own artistic talents.
In addition to the workshops, I intend to work on a project that will benefit the community—either through wall or window painting, depending on what is most suitable. Since I’ve only been in Fort McMurray for two years, I’ve noticed some areas that could be transformed into more attractive public spaces or parks with my art. While I haven’t finalized the project yet, I hope to create something that reflects the spirit of the town and brings people together.
ACWB: Public art will be a big aspect of your residency. What draws you to public art?
Sukhmandeep: What draws me to public art is its ability to connect with a wide audience and transform shared spaces. Public art has the power to bring people together, spark conversations, and create a sense of belonging within a community. I love the idea of making art that is accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or experience with art. It’s not just for galleries or private spaces but for the whole community to engage with and enjoy in their everyday lives. Public art allows me to share my vision with others in a way that feels immediate, impactful, and lasting.
ACWB: Your practice also includes using recyclable materials and household waste to create art. Can you share a bit about why you choose to use these materials?
Sukhmandeep I choose to use recyclable materials and household waste in my art because it aligns with my belief that art can both be creative and environmentally conscious. By transforming everyday waste into something beautiful, I not only give new life to materials that would otherwise be discarded, but I also raise awareness about sustainability. It’s a way for me to show that creativity can come from anything, and that art doesn’t need to be made from expensive or new materials.
Additionally, using waste materials challenges me to think outside the box and find beauty and potential in the most unexpected places. It’s a reminder that art is everywhere, and the most ordinary items can be transformed into something meaningful and impactful. I hope to inspire others to view waste differently and encourage them to explore their own creativity by using materials they might otherwise overlook.
ACWB: What else do you look forward to experiencing during your residency?
Sukhmandeep: During my residency, I look forward to having the dedicated time and space to focus deeply on my art and experiment with new ideas. I’m excited to push the boundaries of my creativity and develop my practice further. I also look forward to connecting with the local community—sharing my art, engaging with people, and receiving feedback that can inspire and shape my work.
ACWB: What would be your advice for aspiring and emerging artists?
Sukhmandeep: My advice for aspiring and emerging artists would be to never underestimate the power of persistence and passion. Art is a journey, and it often takes time to develop your voice and gain recognition. Don’t be afraid to experiment, make mistakes, and step out of your comfort zone—these are the moments when you grow the most.
I know from my own experience that even when things seem tough—like when I moved to a new country or had to balance a job with my art—it’s important to keep pushing forward. It wasn’t easy for me, but my passion for art kept me going, and I found opportunities when I least expected them.
Also, stay connected to your community and seek out opportunities to share your work. Whether through social media, local events, or collaborations, putting yourself out there can open doors and help you build connections. Remember that every small step forward counts, and success is often built on consistent effort, no matter how big or small. Lastly, always stay true to your artistic vision and believe in the value of what you create, because your art has the power to impact others.
