Sarah Van Dijk displays some of her Japanese art, or "Manga." The young artist recently beat out hundreds of competitors in an international "How to draw Manga" contest.

Jillian Dickens
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Aug 24/05) - You wouldn't guess from her shy exterior, Yellowknife visitor Sarah Van Dijk, 19, excels in the colourful art of Japanese anime, or "manga."

Her talent has been recognized on the international scale.

Sarah beat out hundreds of participants by placing ninth in the amateur artist contest "How to Draw Manga," hosted by a Japanese University of the same name.

Manga is the art form used in the popular animation series, "Sailor Moon." A combination of freehand and computer techniques are used to create the cartoon-like images.

Sarah, who has dreams of writing and drawing manga books as a career, was "so excited" when she discovered her contest placement.

"I have my foot in the door!"

Contest requirements were to submit a graphic image in colour of an original character. Sarah's contest character was "Rain," - a male swordsman with pale skin, long white hair, green eyes and spiked ears.

"Rain is a water sprite, almost like the elves. He is a male swordsman and an advisor to a corrupt king," said Sarah.

Rain, like all of Sarah's characters, comes from her imagination - a place full of living ice storms, dream-states and wolfboys.

"My inspiration comes from everything," said Sarah. "Take ice storms. I just like storms; I find them fascinating and quite calming."

Her main contest prize is having her Rain image published in a How to Draw Manga tutorial book.

"These books are sold all over the world! I mean, I have three of them," said Sarah.

Sarah is working on a manga book complete with original characters and an intricate story line.

She is a well-rounded artist who dabbles in many art forms. She is currently visiting Yellowknife from Alberta for a month to teach and dance for the Baha'i faith dance troupe, "Pillars of Peace."

She also designed a T-shirt logo for the troupe using both free-hand and graphic art techniques.

During her time here Sarah is living at fellow Baha'i faith member Carol McNeil's house. Carol describes her guest as "a dynamic young woman."

"She is positive and unique," said Carol. "And is pursuing her dreams."