Childhood consisted of a life without today's technological distractions. Shinkaruk's younger days were a joyful re-creation of the past century, filled with cowboys, Native Americans and choreographed attacks on crudely constructed forts. He had cap-firing six-shooters and homemade wooden rifles instead of joysticks and video games.

Shinkaruk's drawing talent was noticed early in life by his mother, who became aware of his drawings of such heroes as Roy Rogers and the Lone Ranger. Both were depicted righting the wrongs of bushwackers and renegades.

Although his talent was acknowledged, becoming a career artist was a rare calling, and no one seemed to know how to go about it. At the time, it was hardly a career that'd pay the bills. As a result, Shinkaruk never had the desire to study art. He believes that his eyes, observations and patience are his teachers, and that the development of analytical viewing has proven to be his strongest tool.

In recent years, Shinkaruk has focused on western images - those that romanticize the early West. He's firm in his belief that everyone has a little bit of cowboy in them.

Shinkaruk attributes his choice of figurative images to growing up in a large and loving family. His home was the gathering place for social events.

"This constant atmosphere of humanity had a strong bearing, and ultimately molded my interest in becoming a figurative painter," he says. "Although I appreciate most art types, my greatest admiration is for artists who paint people."

For more information, contact Shinkaruk at carlart@shaw.ca or visit www.carlshinkaruk.com.