It’s only been a year since Mike Sydoryk sat down to paint.
He was searching for a way of creating unique and personal holiday gifts.
In the end, the project left him surprised. Soon, his art was donning the walls of his friends’ homes. Then he sold his first piece.
This September, Sydoryk launched Wild Form, an art initiative that enables him to market and sell his paintings, while also making an impact.
A percentage of each painting sold goes to support charities campaigning for the conservation of endangered species.
“I’m a sucker for animals, and I’ve always felt that art should have an impact,” said the 22 year old.
“I want to donate as much as possible — that’s what it’s all about. It’s not about the artist.”
Sydoryk estimated Wild Form has donated nearly $2,500 to three different organizations: Orangutan Foundation International, the International Rhino Foundation and the Wildlife Conservation Network.
The self-described animal lover is wrapping up his final year of a kinesiology degree at the University of Calgary. While some may not think that science and art compliment each other, Sydoryk said he feels his passion for one feeds into the other. His interest in anatomy, for instance, has come in handy when drawing figures.
Much of the artist’s portfolio consists of figures — exotic animals, Aboriginal profiles and ranch-style skulls. Predominately painting in oil, Sydoryk described his work as “classic, but with a modern twist.”
“I didn’t want to be just another wildlife artist,” said the Cochrane High School graduate. “I put the animal right in front of you, out of its natural environment. There are no distractions. The single focus is the animal.”
While Sydoryk said he’s always been confident in his ability to draw, he’d never done more than “doodle for about 10 minutes at a time.” For the first time, he’s starting taking formal art classes. And, despite his science degree, he’s hoping to pursue a full-time career as an artist.
“I’ve always wanted to make an impact in someway,” said Sydoryk. “Plus I like the release. I lose myself for 10 or 12 hours in a painting. My dedication comes easy.”
Sydoryk debuted Wild Form at the end of September during the Arts and Culture Foundation of Cochrane’s Art Festival. His paintings came out again in November for the Spruce Meadows Christmas Market.
For the next year, he said he’ll be working towards getting the Wild Form name and concept out into the public. Ideally, he’d like to eventually up the percentage of his donations to as much as 50 per cent.
Currently, Sydoryk donates 15, 25 or 30 per cent of the sale price — depending on the cost of the painting. Buyers are given the choice of charity to choose from, but Sydoryk said he’s usually given the go ahead to donate to the organization in the most need.
For a glimpse at Sydoryk’s work, or to learn more about Wild Form, visit wildformart.com.
