This CBC Arts logo deserves a big thumbs up

Every month, we feature a new take on the CBC Arts logo created by a Canadian artist. Check out our previous logos!

We wanted to try something new for September's logo design, and Sydney St. Mars definitely nailed the brief.

Based out of Winnipeg, St. Mars is the founder of her own creative brand, Land of Hands. She's not just an artist — she's a master of manicures. "In short, I paint tiny canvases on fingers," she writes, and in the brief time she's been working as a nail technician, St. Mars has embraced her new passion as a "big form of self-expression."

The image we'll be using on all of our social accounts this month is a literal thumbnail pic, but St. Mars decorated an entire set of CBC-inspired digits. Drool over the full mani while you read more about her.

Name: Sydney St. Mars

Age: 23

Homebase: Winnipeg

How long have you been painting nails, and what kick-started your interest?

I've been infatuated with painting nails for as long as I can remember. I was that eight-year-old kid with the super extravagant nail polish kit. Tiny flower gems. Cute stickers. OPI minis.

What made me decide to make it my career path was local nail artist Fingernails Are Pretty. I was a client of hers for a long time, and seeing her make waves in the nail art movement was what really inspired me to go to nail school. I completed the nail technician course in January 2020, and the rest is history.

Let's talk about your logo! What are we looking at here? What's the concept that got you started?

My take on the classic CBC gem, which I've titled "A Peony for Your Thoughts," highlights the importance of keeping things colourful and playful, despite the change of season. Even though summer is ending (cue the single tear rolling down my cheek), the idea behind these hand-painted nails stemmed from (no pun intended) my love for flowers, particularly my favourite flowers, peonies. It also happens to be my star sign's flower. Scorpios unite!

Dream manicure scenario for you: who would you like to see flashing these nails in real life?

Hands down Florence Pugh. She's my favourite actress and to see her wearing my nails is a bucket list item for sure.

What's the project you're most proud of?

I did a pop art style set of press-on nails. They took me what felt like a lifetime, but sometimes it's worth it to work on something for fun. It helps me with creative ruts.

What are you working on these days?

I've recently wanted to get into painting on a larger scale. A friend of mine asked me to do a wall mural in her front entryway. I've been planning it for about a month, and we will finally get to see it come to life soon. Stay tuned for results via Instagram!

What's your favourite place to see art?

I try my best not to fall under the Gen Z stereotype, but I have to say the internet! As a nail artist, a lot of my inspiration comes from illustrations, patterns, colours and textures. Instagram and Pinterest are the best places for that kind of thing. 

Who's the last artist you discovered online?

Lorien Stern, a ceramic artist. I'm obsessed, to say the least. Her work is so whimsical and colourful. Two of my favourite qualities.

My take on the classic CBC gem ... highlights the importance of keeping things colourful and playful, despite the change of season.- Sydney St. Mars, artist

What work of art do you wish you owned?

An oil painting by Lily-Rose Burgess. She takes objects that the everyday eye would see as mundane and brings them to life through her paintings. The ones with fruit are my favourite.

How can someone have their nails done by you?

I am moving to a new space in the heart of St. Boniface. I will be working under the extremely talented Ally G (@allygnailartistry), at AllyG Studios. For more information on how to book with me in the near future, check out my website or follow along on Instagram (@landofhands)!

This conversation has been edited and condensed.