Hi! I am Maryna Salagub, artist behind Goodfairyart. I grew up in small town in Ukraine. As a child, I went to local art studio, where I had incredible art teacher. He taught me how to paint, but most importantly – how to enjoy and see beauty in our every day lives. When I was studying art I worked mostly on illustration projects, as it straightened my imagination muscle and kept my brain busy and my hands working.
In 2010 I immigrated to Canada and was inspired by magnificent Canadian nature and wildlife. The first month in Canada I was lucky to see real moose in the wild. I live in Oakville, Ontario with my husband, two kids, two birds, two fish and guinea pig. I began drawing children book illustrations, which represented my love to animals and my profound interest in illustration. When I did not have a project and wanted to draw for myself, I started to doodle creatures. First it was a hobby, but then it became a habit. I played with oils, pencils, inks and watercolors. Later I developed my loose and effortless watercolor style.
My illustrations are whimsical, full of vivid colors and movement. I enjoy adding small details to my illustrations. These details encourage children to look at the pictures more and more making new discoveries each time. I strongly believe this: “Don’t search for miracles, create a miracle yourself”. Drawing animals depicts my childhood love to them.
In my gallery at my own home, I start my painting with the idea. Most of my paintings set out with few pencil strokes. This strokes later shape into creatures. Next, I make loose sketches on the paper. Then I step back, asses. Furthermore, the magic happens. Lines turn to shapes, shapes turn to animals, animals jump to actions, vibrant colors emerge and then turn to brilliant rage of hues.
I want to create beautiful and playful spaces for the widest possible audience. My art helps to connect wildlife with the world of people. I draw life of animals as they lived their regular life – taking bath, brushing teeth, drinking coffee, reading a book. This is a driving force of flourishing interest in wildlife from the people. Excitement that animals implement their daily habits rases people’s curiosity to uncover Goodfairyart.
My art not only creates a playful space, but brings emotions – a smile on your face, a giggle, a conversation, a motivation, a daily routine reminder. There are numerous use of my art – from encouraging kids for potty training to decorating children dentist offices! What makes my art outstanding is the distinct personality of my animals – grinning shark, relaxed whale, curious bear, smart octopus. They all have their own character waiting for you to be discovered.
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Contact me on email: goodfairyart@gmail.com
CV Maryna Salagub
goodfairyart@gmail.com www.goodfairyart.com
EDUCATION
8 years of regular attendance of art studio “Grafika”, Ukraine 1994-2004
Over 15 years of self-taught art practice 2012-2025, Oakville, Canada
SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITION
2025 United Through Watercolor, IWS Canada, Toronto, Canada
2025 Impressions of Mississauga, Visual Arts Mississauga, Mississauga, Canada
2025 One Of The Kind Show Toronto, Exhibition Place, Toronto, Canada
2025 At Risk Salamander, Boyton House Art Exhibition Place, Richmond Hill, Canada
2025 Art A La Carte Program, Legislative Assembly of Ontario, Toronto, Canada
2024 Art in the Workplace Exhibit 38, Mc Master Innovation Park, Hamilton, Canada
2023 One Of The Kind Show Toronto, Exhibition Place, Toronto, Canada
2022 Oakville Originals, QEPCCC Main Gallery, Oakville, Canada
RESIDENCIES
2025 Mothra Artist Parent Residency, Gibraltar Point Center for the Arts, Toronto, Canada
2024 At Risk Salamander Art Residency, Richmond Hill, Canada
PUBLIC INSTALLATIONS
2025 Pier 50 Coloring Wall Installation for OOAK Show Toronto Family Center.
2024 Connextions 2024 Traffic Signal Cabinet Box Wrap, public art installation, Oakville, Canada
GRANTS & AWARDS
2025, Artist Professional Development Grant, Oakville, Canada
2025, Community Activation Grant, Oakville, Canada
2023, Canada Digital Adoption Grant, Canada
PUBLICATIONS, RESEARCH, AND PRESENTATIONS
2023, Life Art Demonstration, CreativeHub 1352, Mississauga, Canada
2023 Reality of Unpresented Times a Greenwood collective production, publication by UTM Greenwood, Mississauga, Canada
2023 Featured artist for Water Docs Artivism Challenge by Water Docs Film Festival, Toronto, Canada
EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVES
2023-present, Art Educator, Creative Hub 1352, Mississauga, Canada
2023 Culture Days, Art Educator, Oakville, Canada
2024-present, Art Educator, Achev, Oakville, Canada
2024-2025, Art Educator, Imagine in the Park Festival, Hamilton, Canada
2024, Art Educator, Telling Tales Festival, Burlington, Canada
2024, Art Educator, We Are Kerr Festival, Oakville
VOLUNTEER AND BOARD EXPERIENCE
2024-present, IWS Canada VP of PR, Toronto, Canada
References provided upon request
