About my work

Sandra Klowak - Winnipeg/Treaty 1, Canada

     I make art with human and pet hair, based on the historic craft of Victorian hairwork, which exploded in popularity during the 1800s. Hairwork was used to memorialize the dead as well as to celebrate friendship, romantic bonds and kinship between the living. The techniques I use are historic, but I bring my own modern perspective to this traditional art form.

     Hair has the power to immortalize our bodies through art, and I'm honoured to be able to work with such a powerful medium to handcraft lasting keepsakes celebrating the loved ones of my clients. 

     I live in Winnipeg, Treaty 1 Territory, with my partner, young children and cats. In our spare time we enjoy exploring our province, camping and visiting its many amazing historic museums.

     I'm passionate about preserving local history, and currently sit as chair of the board of Seven Oaks House Museum in Winnipeg.

     Learn more about my work in this profile in the Winnipeg Free Press and on Episode 1 of the podcast VIctorian Samplings.

     A huge thank-you to all those who have generously donated hair to my personal art projects.