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Charles Noel van Sandwyk (born 1966) is a Canadian artist, illustrator and writer.[1]
Born in South Africa, van Sandwyk was exposed to art from an early age, as his father was a graphic designer. At age 12, he emigrated to Canada where his family settled in Deep Cove, North Vancouver, British Columbia. While a high school student he earned income by performing for children as a magician and unicyclist. His artistic ability began while still in elementary school, where he was an exceptional calligrapher, a talent he still uses in his illustrations. He experimented with copper plate etchings as a teen, and developed his unique style. He studied commercial art at Capilano College. At age 19, he travelled to Fiji and developed a deep connection with the South Pacific. For a number of years, he spent several months annually on the tiny island of Tavewa, five hours by boat from Fiji's main island of Viti Levu.[2]
Some of van Sandwyk's paintings hang in the National Library of Canada, as well as in several important private collections. He is the writer and illustrator of several books including The Parade to Paradise, How to See Fairies, and Sketches from the Dream Island of Birds. He has provided illustrations for Folio Society editions of The Blue Fairy Book and The Wind in the Willows, and a Limited Centenary Edition of Wind In The Willows. His book, How to See Fairies, received its own Folio Society edition in 2018.
