ARTIST BIO

Sydonne Warren is a muralist, entrepreneur, and community builder whose work is all about celebrating culture and making a real impact. Originally from Jamaica and now living in Canada, she's spent the last four years transforming public spaces with large-scale murals that honour diversity and amplify underrepresented voices. With deep roots in her Caribbean heritage and the stories of Black women, Sydonne's art is full of vibrant colours, and expressive figures.

 

Her murals can be seen in Calgary, turning ordinary walls into powerful stories of resilience, empowerment, and unity. For Sydonne, art is a tool to unite people, and she's committed to using it to foster connection. Some of her murals are collaborative efforts, created alongside residents and youth, blending her artistic vision with the voices of the community. This approach ensures the art is not only reflective of her style but also inclusive of the people it represents. 

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Sydonne is also passionate about teaching and mentoring through art. She runs workshops that give aspiring artists hands-on mural training, helping them learn how to use their creativity to make an impact. Her monthly “Paint with Syd” events bring people together to paint pop art portraits in a fun, welcoming environment, making art accessible to everyone, no matter their skill level. 

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Through her work, Sydonne continues to inspire and strengthen communities, turning blank walls into symbols of hope and unity. Her goal is always to empower others to see the transformative power of public art, creating something that not only beautifies a space but also leaves a lasting impact. My artistic practice is heavily influenced by the design process. It begins with thorough research, brainstorming, and conceptualization. I create mood boards, incorporating color, style, and elements I intend to include. Additionally, I generate sketches of different concepts and collect source images to digitally create my idea using a personal aesthetic. After taking breaks to view my art with fresh eyes, I make revisions. Finally, I transfer my design to the wall using a grid system.  

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ARTISTIC PRACTICE

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My style is influenced by my Caribbean heritage, employing bright, contrasting colors. I draw inspiration from pop art, abstract expressionism, and geometric abstraction. My preferred subject matter is the female figure, often combining shapes and expressive drips in my pieces. I also create fully abstract pieces using geometric shapes. The chosen mediums for my art include digital output, latex, oil, acrylic, and spray paint. I appreciate the forgiving nature of paint and the diverse outcomes it can produce.  

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Beyond muralism, teaching brings me joy. I started a paint-and-sip business, instructing patrons in creating celebrity portraits. This evolved into teaching groups to paint large-scale artworks, which led to the creation of a week-long mural camp for aspiring muralists. I developed a collection of canvas paintings, expanding on my artistic voice.