In the world populated by bushy-tailed foxes, talking turtles and hoppy rabbits, artist Noah Sanders is creator, colorist and whimsical wizard.
A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Sanders grew up in Nashville, Tenn. where his father was a microbiologist at Vanderbilt University. Sanders came to Northfield as a St. Olaf College art student. At St. Olaf, Sanders met fellow art student Jennifer whom he married in 2013, the same year he graduated after finishing a fifth year art program.
A good friend and local art patron, Eric Teachout, said in an email that Sanders’ art captivates audiences of all ages.
Sanders’ art invites viewers into narrative ranging from the whimsical adventures of woodland creatures to thought-provoking biblical motifs.
“Of his various works, Noah’s coloring book stands out to me as a delightful fusion of clever comics and enchanting pictures; it’s not only as a toy for children but also a work of excellent craftsmanship that sparks joy for adults as well,” said Teachout.
“Likewise, his biblical paintings possess a haunting quality, delving into spiritual themes that transcend the surface, prompting viewers of all spiritual backgrounds to ponder the mysteries of faith and existence,” Teachout continued. “In a world inundated with obscure abstractions and shabby imitations, Noah’s art serves as a beacon of contemplation, reminding us of the enduring power of creativity to illuminate the human experience.”
Original wall art and paintings
Today, the Sanders have four children, three boys and a girl aged four months to seven years old. With fatherhood, Sanders used his artistic talents to entertain his kids.
“I started putting a narrative to my paintings when I would read to the older two boys,” explained Sanders. The stories may have started with bulldozers and monsters, but then morphed into racoons, foxes and squirrels.
“I love drawing and doodling,” he said.
Soon, an entire forest of creatures were coming to life, first sketched on paper then transferred onto a salvaged wood canvas. Joining Foxy and Lil Red, the squirrel, were Jack, a rabbit, and a bear, woodpecker, chipmunk, possum, owl, skunk and a stag.
“I take Foxy’s perspective,” said Sanders. “He’s the artist and he’s smart like me.”
Sanders said he had so many ideas he just kept drawing more animals. “Squirrel has a wife and Jack has a girlfriend,” he said. “My animals are happy.”
Sanders said he first met Devin Johnson through his wife Jennifer who worked as a computer administrator for Johnson before launching her own photography business in 2020.
The original designs now occupy about 20 percent of the wall space at the back of Makeshift Accessories Gallery & Studio, 418 Division St S. in downtown Northfield. There are small works such as “Lucky Rabbits (Golden Ones)” set on a scrap piece of plywood priced at $375. Sanders’ art cards are $5 for one, or five for $20.
A giant bear that Sanders fashioned out of used yardsticks is priced at $1,200. Just inside the Division Street entrance in the front portion of Makeshift Gallery is one of Sanders’ largest designs: a big Paul Bunyan with his Blue Ox.
“A lot of customers take selfies in front of that,” he said.
Sanders works full-time at Makeshift, which has been forging art and accessories using industrial and cultural artifacts since it opened in 2008. When he’s not working on his own art, Sanders helps Johnson make jewelry, license plate signs and travel to regional art fairs.
“With all the art shows I have done over the years I have not seen anything quite like Noah’s art, said Devin Johnson, artist, downtown developer and owner of Makeshift and Robin’s Egg Bakery. “His animal characters come alive with his unique cartoony style and his painting technique makes each piece as if it is a vintage illustration from a rustic storybook. Truly a whimsical and delightful body of work!”
Two consistently successful Minnesota art fairs, the Uptown in Minneapolis and Edina Art Show, keep expanding the customer base for both artists. Sanders said he exhibited his art at the Riverwalk Market Fair a few years ago and received “great feedback” from the community.
To respond to evolving customer tastes, Sanders said he’s added fish like walleyes, that are popular wall art for the cabin crowd. He’s also added anchors and butterflies to his repertoire.
“You never know what people want to buy and hang on their walls,” he said.
Invite into the story “My hope is to invite you into the heart of a story. My work is formed by Americana and Medieval style.” — Noah Sanders 0d74d2ab-90d7-4912-82dc-d5b218694a6e
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