Sophie R. Hallonquist was born in Poland in 1941, where she studied drawing and became a tapestry weaver. Since her art education in Poland, Hallonquist has continued her study of drawing, painting, and design in Sweden and Canada, including studies at Toronoto's Ryerson University.

Hallonquist draws inspiration from several sources. She has a strong affinity for the earth-tone color pallet of the masters, a respectful understanding of contemporary design, and a passion for experimental and collaborative work. She began encaustic work while studying the history of art. Hallonquist has worked in the medium ever since, sometimes collaborating with her son, who is also an artist.

Encaustic art dates back to the 5th century B.C. and has received recent attention by modern artists Diego Rivera and Jasper Johns. In her own still life works, Hallonquist paints with a mixture of melted beeswax and pigments. The result is a glossy enamel-like surface with boundless potential for textural experimentation. The freedom of this material approach has led to the creation of her most recent works, in which bold floral and vase forms emerge from a field of intricate abstract textures.

Sophie Hallonquist lives and works in western Canada.

Exhibitions

2002
Affordable Art Fair, New York City
DÉCOR Expo, Atlanta
1999
ABC, Atlanta
ABC, New York City
Art Expo, Los Angeles
ABC, Dallas, Texas
Rocfern International Galleries, Toronto
ABC, Long Beach, California
1998-2007
Art Expo, New York City
1998
ABC, Atlanta
Rocfern International Galleries, Toronto
University College of the Cariboo, British Columbia
PCC Gallery, New York
1983
O’Keeffe Centre, Toronto
1980
Turbjorn Gallery, Sweden

Collections

Hallonquist’s work is held in collections across Europe, the Americas, and Japan