Step Into a Fairytale in Sparta

Visiting Julia Hansford’s Studio is like stepping straight into one of the artist’s delightfully enchanting paintings. The walls of the studio are not only a place to hang art but one big canvas themselves, providing a unique experience for visitors that enter her location in the village of Sparta.

Hansford offers a variety of original artwork in a style that is often described as whimsical and quirky. Her subjects range from adorable animals to strange and macabre characters and everything in between. Many of Hansford’s characters have one big eye which has become somewhat of a trademark for the artist. 

“I don’t always know where my inspiration comes from,” says Hansford. “I let my imagination run free for the most part and that usually transfers onto the canvas.”

Her work is heavily influenced by her interest in “fairytale” lands like the Enchanted Forest, Neverland, Oz, and especially Wonderland. The beauty, magic, and different creatures that live in these fictional realms are frequent subjects of her work.

Hansford has turned her work into two children’s books, a calendar, mugs, greeting cards, hand-painted Christmas ornaments, fairy-doors, and fridge magnets - all which are sold in the studio. Hansford also has plans to transfer her unique artistic style into home decor items that will be available in 2016.

She also does custom orders, modifying her work to fit what the customer is looking for. She most frequently receives requests to paint a child’s name surrounded by her adorable animal characters. These paintings are one-of-a-kind gifts that are perfect to decorate a child’s bedroom. 

The village of Sparta is an ideal fit for Hansford’s distinctive style of art. People that frequent the village’s galleries and boutiques are usually looking for something different - something that they can’t find at the mall, and a Julia Hansford original work of art fits the bill perfectly.  She has also found the community of artists and business owners in the village to be exceptionally welcoming and supportive, appealing to her need to be part of a strong community. 

To view Julia Hansford’s work visit her website www.juliahansford.com or visit the studio in person at 46341 Sparta Line, Sparta, ON.