ABOUT WANDA
Wanda Fitzgerald is a multidisciplinary artist with over 30 years of experience, including roles in painting, theatre, and writing. Vision impaired, Wanda has been a dedicated advocate for disabled artists in theatre, film, and television. She studied fine arts at Georgian College in Owen Sound and theatre at York University and Seneca College in Toronto from 1999 to 2001. Her education led to her role as Artistic Director of the Glenvale Players, where she spotlighted blind and visually
Wanda’s diverse career includes writing for Canadian Theatre Review on disability rights and pioneering integrated audio description programs. She has recently excelled as an audio describer for various productions, including the science fiction series Orphan Black, the film The Boy in the Woods, and numerous Hallmark movies.
Residing in Owen Sound, Ontario, Wanda continues to pursue her artistic passions through painting exhibitions and enjoys outdoor activities - Kayaking,
ARTIST’S STATEMENT
Creating art is my spiritual release, an exploration of the elegant beauty within the shadows of my soul. Through the infusion of color, texture, and light, I strive to draw these inner landscapes outward, inviting others to connect with them. I believe that the unseen is as vital as what manifests on the canvas. My work often integrates a variety of textures and light-catching elements, aiming to engage both the tactile and visual senses. Art, to me, should be an experience that resonates through multiple senses.
As an artist with visual impairment, my perspective is uniquely shaped by an ever-present awareness of impending darkness. This perspective fuels my affinity for vibrant colors and a delicate interplay of light and shadow, offering a gentle yet passionate view of my surroundings and imagination. My passion for mixed media often leads to surprising outcomes, where the final piece evolves into something wonderfully different from its original concept. By incorporating unconventional materials and objects, I create work that is both fanciful and moody, revealing new surprises and stories with each viewing. It is up to the viewer to discover and interpret these narratives.
Originality is at the heart of my practice, with imagination and creativity being the breath that sustains me. If my work can inspire the imagination and inner vision of even one person, I feel my claim to the title “artist” is fulfilled.
In addition to my artistic endeavours, I am dedicated to enhancing accessibility within the art world. My current project focuses on audio description, a crucial tool for making art accessible to blind and visually impaired individuals. This initiative will showcase practical examples of effective audio descriptions, incorporating immersive soundscapes and exploring both conventional and innovative practices.
The project addresses two key aspects: the effectiveness of verbal descriptions in conveying visual information and the social context influencing their implementation. By presenting a detailed analysis of these practices, I aim to foster greater access to art collections and stimulate broader discussion within the arts community.
Ultimately, my goal is to set a new standard for accessibility, demonstrating how creative approaches to audio description can transform the art experience for all visitors. Through this work, I hope to pave the way for more inclusive and engaging art environments.
