Shawn Vandekerkhove is a local artist born and raised in Sooke, British Columbia, who works in oils and acrylics to render paintings inspired by the West Coast. He is a self-taught artist, who has been painting his whole life, and is always in constant pursuit of new ways to express himself with a brush and paint. Shawn also holds a M.Sc. degree in geology from the University of Toronto, and a B.Sc. in geology from the University of Victoria. Some of his original artwork may be seen adorning the walls at Pure Elements Salon and Spa in Sooke B.C., where it will be hanging throughout the summer (2015).