10 Fun Facts about the Artist

Hello there, friend! I’m really happy that I’ve sparked your interest and that you’re here today, excited to learn a little more about me. I thought it would be a good idea to spice things up and do a fun introduction— something more exciting than a regular bio… ya know?

I hope you’re excited, because I’m going to share some super random facts about myself that could only be shared in a fun post like this… enjoy!

Alright… here we go!

1. My full name is Caitlyn Mary Vader.

In case you’re wondering, I don’t have any relation to Darth Vader (even though I get asked that question a lot (lol)). In the art world I have been going by Caitlyn Mary since High School. I just figured my last name may change one day, so I wanted all my paintings in the history of my life to be signed the same way. I guess I was really thinking ahead (haha!). 

2. I’m a small town girl.

I grew up in a small town called St. Thomas in Ontario, Canada. My dad also grew up in this small town, so we had some pretty wonderful deep family roots in this small corner of the world. I currently live in the small town of Foxboro, also in Ontario, Canada, which is about 4 hours away from my home town. I love visiting the city, but I truly prefer quiet streets and natural surroundings. Also, I really don’t mind the commute into town— just gives me time to enjoy a podcast ;)

3. I’m a nurse by day, artist by night and weekends

I have a Bachelors of Science in Nursing Degree, and currently work full-time as a Registered Nurse in Public Health. My work right now is in case and contact management with the Covid-19 response team… and yes, it’s a crazy time lol. Before Public Health I worked in the hospital on the Maternity-Child Unit, where I got to see babies come into this world and be a part of some of the most beautiful moments in people’s lives. That being said, I work around the clock at both of my jobs as a nurse and an artist, but I thrive in chaos (I guess lol). At times my schedule is a bit crazy, but hey, I’m happy!

Left to right: Jabari, Malika, Bulelo

4. I volunteered in South Africa & lived with ELEPHANTS

When I was 21 years old I took off by myself to South Africa to go volunteer for 10 weeks. I fed hungry children at a local elementary school for a while, and spent 4 weeks with three 10-year old elephants (my favourite animal) that will always have my heart— Bulelo, Malika, and Jebari. My experience in South Africa was truly life-changing. The people I met and places I went will always and forever have my heart. 

Fun Note: My abstract landscape collection The Wild Places is completely inspired by my time in South Africa and Australia. Visit the collection here.

5. I not only went to Disney World… I performed there!

You may or may not know I grew up as a dancer. BUT! In High School, I got to perform with my dance group in Disney World in Florida, USA… TWICE (as in 2 separate trips in 2 different years)! We also got to do workshops with the Disney performers and learn a few of the routines they perform in the park. My dance team got to do a lot of really cool performances… but Disney is definitely #1 on the list!

6. I have a hero, his name is Jake.

My brother, Jacob, is my hero in this life. He was born as an amputee, missing the bottom half of his left arm. I watched him overcome trials throughout our lives that most kids don’t have to endure. He is completely unstoppable. Even though he is a year younger than me, he has always been my greatest example, teacher and inspiration. I feel so lucky to say that my brother is forever my best friend.

7. I love backpack hiking!

I’ve completed 4 trails in Ontario, Canada, and did my first ever single overnight hike in Australia with my park ranger friend, Kaitlyn. This first experience of hiking in Australia is when I fell completely in love with backpack hiking. So much so, that I came back to Canada, spent over $2,000 on new hiking gear (LOL so intense…) and embarked on my first ever SOLO 6 DAY trip on the Le Cloche de Silhouette Trail in Killarney, Ontario. This trail is almost 100 km and is considered to be the hardest trail in Ontario. Soo… I literally went out into the wilderness by myself for 6 days with little to no experience lol… and honestly, I almost didn’t make it off the trail. Any experienced hiker who I asked for advice from simply told me not to do it. 

But that didn’t stop me. 

Sometimes you need to do something crazy to prove to yourself you can literally do anything if you set your mind to it. Sometimes you need to do some serious soul searching and step way outside of your comfort zone. I guess for me, this was that thing. And boy did I ever learn a lot about myself on this trail! 

Mission accomplished!

8. I met my soul mate in yoga class

My partner, Cameron, and I actually met in yoga class at our local gym. But it gets better. His Mother was the instructor! Any chance I got, I went to his Mom’s yoga class… because I LOVED her classes, so much. I used to talk to her after class quite frequently, way before Cameron and I even became friends! Life is so crazy sometimes.

Furthermore, Cameron and I started our close bond once we decided to explore Acro Yoga together as partners. This is when the sparks really started flying— he is my only base, and I’m his only flyer, for life!

Read our full love story (for fun) here.

Photo: Ariana del Mundo

9. I was a baby entrepreneur

By the time I was about 10 years old, I started making my own jewelry and selling it at a little stand when my family and I went camping. My little business was called “Beach Bum Jewelry”, and one camping trip I actually made $100.00! I had my own little stamp, made my own price tags, and even gave people hand written instructions on how to care for their jewelry. What kind of kid would prefer to sit there and be “productive” and run her own little business rather than simply go play with other kids? Well, this kid right here, apparently lol. 

I was born an entrepreneur ;)

10. My great-grandfather was an artist & my great-grandmother was a nurse.

I take after them both :). What’s even crazier, is that I actually worked on the same paediatric ward, at the same hospital that my great-grandmother worked at. This is significant because I’m not originally from this area. I moved here (4 hours away from my home and family) when I got married to my ex-husband. So, the fact that I ended up back where the roots of my great-grandparents lived and worked is actually quite wild. My great-grandfather was a very talented artist and also played piano. He passed when I was 10 years old, but I do remember being amazed by all of his paints and artistry.

Now, this was meant to be a short and sweet, fun way of getting to know me a little better. If you’re interested in learning more about my art journey, you can read more here. 

BEFORE YOU LEAVE…

I want to make sure you’re aware of these beautiful fine art desktop and phone wallpapers I made for y’all to download, for FREE!

Sign up for my email list and get your new wallpaper right here, right now! ;)

I really hope you enjoyed this fun little read. I just want to add that I’d love to get to know YOU, too! I will always welcome you to reach out to me, through DMs or emails, whatever works best for you, I’m happy to chat!

Much Love,

Caitlyn Mary, xo.