Art is a Lifestyle
Edmonton's such a creative town. You really don't have to go sit in a big scary city by yourself and work incredibly hard and maybe not get anywhere. You can develop your craft in a smaller centre like Edmonton when it's so pro arts. There's a strong and thriving arts community.
Our folk fest is out of this world, and the Fringe is just fantastic.
It's funny. I remember being in New York trying to explain to people where Edmonton was and they were like, "What!?" I didn't think I'd come back. But I did a fashion show here for my company, and met so many interesting people.
Then, of course, 9/11. New York changed quite a bit. It's tough. I think you get very family-oriented when you see a crisis like that, and my family's here.
Plus being in a city that really wants to promote the arts is wonderful for a creative person. There are people you can talk to. You can go, "Hey, this is my problem. Can you help me?" It's brilliant. In New York, you live in a shoebox. Now I can have a family home and work here and still get my designs out. And not just to Edmontonians, but to other places as well.
With Fashion Week and my store, I get to work with other artists. It's part of my community and my love. It's a passion for me to meet these people and to work with them and to learn. With them. From them. Both giving and taking. It's been wonderful. There have been so many generous, fabulous artists I see here in Edmonton who are doing very forward things. Stuff that could be anywhere in the world.
It's inspiring. It really is.
Where Next?
Sandra Sing Fernandes
Sandra Sing Fernandes is originally from Edmonton, but had successful careers Vancouver and New York before returning and setting up her store, Planet Ze to promote fusion in Edmonton's arts scene. She has been the Executive Director of Edmonton Fashion Week since it started 4 years ago.
