Cheryl Radford

Cheryl Radford is an award-winning illustrator who has lived and worked in London, Ontario, since the mid-80s. A strong left-brain and right-brain thinker, Radford taps into both her creative and analytical skills to capture her subjects, from streetscapes and architecture to figure drawing and golf courses. After growing up on a farm in southwestern Ontario and receiving a Diploma in Design Arts - Creative Arts from Georgian College in Owen Sound, her professional career included graphic art and design at a printing company before she worked at an advertising agency. Upon leaving the ad agency in 2003, Cheryl transitioned into accounting and administration at not-for-profit, charitable art organizations and reunited herself with creating art. She believes that life is a work in progress and that art production is an integral part of her life. Inspiration for her creative practice draws from all that life has to offer: the vast variety of people, two part-time jobs, the seemingly ordinary natural surroundings of Southern Ontario, and her enjoyment and love of golf. In the words of George Bernard Shaw, “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” Cheryl works from a combination of life and from photographic references, and she may elaborate and alter her subjects, whether they’re a specific person, place, animal, or any myriad of objects or interests that may catch her eye. Cheryl Radford celebrates Canadian pride with a new series of artwork. Each illustration starts with a Canadian postage stamp. From this small square of history, stories unfold. The imagery blossoms outward, revealing memories — real or imagined — tied to Canada's diverse identity. Some works echo childhood memories; others pay homage to history, national achievements, or everyday moments that define Canadian life. The stamps are not just postage — they are portals.