Mandy van Leeuwen has been a working artist since 1998, and over the years, her work has grown naturally toward magical realism and surrealism. These worlds allow her to weave imagination and symbolism together, creating images that feel both dreamlike and deeply personal.
Being deaf and living between both hearing and non-hearing worlds has shaped Mandy’s perspective in profound ways. That sense of moving between two spaces—two ways of experiencing the world—often finds its way into her work through themes of duality, connection, and quiet observation.
Much of Mandy’s artistic journey began through mural painting. Large walls became her early teachers, giving her the space to experiment, grow, and tell stories that belong to the communities around her. Public art helped her find her voice as an artist.
Today, she continues to explore both murals and fine art, creating pieces that invite viewers into thoughtful, imaginative spaces where reality and the surreal gently meet.
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Which ’hood are you in?
I live in a small town not far from Winnipeg called Garson. I share my home with my partner and my niece.
We love this area for the quiet rural neighbourhood, the starry nights, and how close it keeps us to nature. It’s a peaceful place to come home to, especially when so much of my work takes me across the county.
What do you do?
I work as both a muralist and a fine artist. My mural work takes me into all kinds of spaces—building exteriors, public places, theatrical and themed environments, and private settings.
What I love most is transforming a space and creating a sense of enchantment. Sometimes that means making people feel as though they’ve stepped into another world. Other times, it’s about bringing beauty and life back to a place that needed care. My studio paintings are created for collectors and are shared through gallery exhibitions at Woodlands Gallery in Winnipeg.
What are you currently working on?
Right now, I’m actually in the air on my way to Vancouver Island, which is one of my favourite places. I brought a painting with me to finish there, and it’s a gift for my family.
The piece honours our Ukrainian roots and reflects a view from our Manitoba homestead in Sandy Lake. At the centre is a vinok, appearing almost like a rising sun. It symbolizes a new day, new life, and the freedoms and essentials of prairie farm life. More than anything, the piece is meant to bring our family together.
Where can we find your work?
My fine art paintings are represented by Woodlands Gallery in Winnipeg.
My public work can be found in many places. There are murals throughout Manitoba, as well as in British Columbia in communities like Mill Bay, Vancouver, Nakusp, and Chilliwack. I love that mural work allows me to travel and connect with different communities. It’s a real honour to share my work far beyond where I live.
