Behold, within the leavy shade, Those bright blue eggs together laid ! On me the chance-discovered sight Gleamed like a vision of delight. – William
Category: Artwork
Featured art work of the month (by Katarina Thorsen)- new or from archives.
I keep the broken bits. They illustrate the subtext.
I keep the broken bits. I honour the cracks. They illustrate the subtext. There in I seek the true story. Subtext or undertone is any
Ut Pictura Poesis- the narrative potential of the drawing
I draw pictures. I imagine storylines. I imagine a narrative, a comic, a screenplay… There is nothing quite as on target as the prose I
One must not be too romantic about madness…
Feeling burned out today from my bread and butter work, I decided to ignore my entire to-do list this evening, decided to not to catch
Visual notes: Patient No. 6, Psychiatric Diagnosis, 1959
As part of my research for a current project into mental health treatment in BC 1940’s to 60’s, I came across vintage psychiatric videos recently.
The sparrow is mightier than the machine
This morning, at the 23 bus stop in the West End, I heard the overwhelming LOUDNESS of humanity– cars, buses, construction, garbage container being dumped
SOLD: “I saw the angel in the marble.” (Drawing on marbled paper)
ART SALE: I received some gorgeous Italian paper from Terry and Kevin Cowan recently. I let the marbled sheet guide my mark-making. No planning. Just unfolding. It’s
Give yourself the opportunity to discover your own imagery
Dreams of my art being attached to some kind of imaginary romantic self-sustaining monetary outcome no longer serve me. If my creative process is to
“This Look That Was Only Yours,” a short film of my creative process
A short film by Anna Thorsen What I love about this film by my daughter is that she has been able to visualize the peace I
Nature moves through carcasses…
Illustrating decomposition by allowing the newsprint to deteriorate over several years and for the dead bird to slowly be encompassed by embroidered roots and the
Bird spotting with a yellow legal pad and a walk in the park.
I walked around Lost Lagoon this afternoon. In order to see birds it is necessary to become a part of the silence. ― Robert Lynd
The importance of being specific. Collage for 2019.
Recall Vision for 2019: Courage Last night I mind mapped around the heart image- and one of the key “to-do’s” for 2019 is PAUSE AND REFLECT, BEFORE
Tuesday November 6, 1947
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 6, 1947 MOLLY, A GRAPHIC NOVEL– my now 15+ years passion project– continues at the drawing board and at the writing desk and
Inktober 2018: 31 studies of Truman Capote’s IN COLD BLOOD
Imagination, of course, can open any door– turn the key and let the terror walk right in. – Truman Capote No. 1 Richard Hickock: “It
Ghosts in the wall… #streetart
I think about the wall often. Many ask me about it. It no longer exists. But lives on in my heart. My new friend, Chrissy
Spirit Guide.
I was going to write tonight. Instead I fell down a nap hole and dreamt of a fox. I was going to write tonight about
Die into life.
I haven’t posted for awhile. That’s not to say I haven’t been writing, drawing, planning, thinking, working. A new job started January 15 and somehow
Every stitch a thought- problem solving embroidering drawings.
I’ve got a lot to think about these days. (Not really any different from other days, I guess, but seriously, there is some amazing stuff
Charming portraits of cats by my father 5 years after his stroke…
Going through my blog and archiving some imagery, I came across these charming drawings by my father– done in 2010, 5 years after a debilitating
UPDATE ON: Burning it down…
UPDATE: May 8, 2018 8PM: I received an extension and all is good in blog land! Thank you WORDPRESS Tonight at midnight, this blog’s business
Secrets and mysteries
Great, invisible stories are being written all around us, every day. The language of the world is full of ineffable secrets and mysteries. – Brian
Reclaiming the act of creating…
I could sit and wait. Ask myself: how I will get back to that beautiful, exhilarating buzz of creative process and my soul’s work? But
My @TwinPeaks fan art helps me hold on to the dream
We are like the dreamer who dreams and then lives inside the dream. I process my obsessions through creativity. And there is a lot to
SOLD: STUDIO CLEARANCE SALE: Painting entitled “The House,” 1998
Raising FUNDS, clearing SPACE and LETTING GO. STUDIO CLEARANCE SALE (Vancouver BC) FOR SALE: A favorite piece from my 1998 solo exhibit: Asta Sollilja of Summerhouses
Heron Panel donated to “Hear Me Now” youth film fest
As part of the 100 Herons Art Project that has been supporting arts programming for refugee and immigrant youth, this panel will be donated to
The Mulberry @ParcLiving Fox Panels
Without art we do not die. But without art we do not live. – Intersections Media Opportunities for Youth Society participant, 2012 I have the
Drawn to Pets
Introducing Drawn to Pets drawntopets.ca The specific website for ordering my custom pet portraits!
Surprising the inner critic with group art projects
Regarding my creative process, I welcome the conversations my inner critic instigates. [This is not the same voice that picks at my skull with negative
The 100 Herons Art Project: Session 1! And pre-sale!
I am deep in the process of a very personal art project– the 100 Herons Art Project– to answer the call to create art born
#SKiP 2017 was amazing!
Recall: I had the pleasure of presenting and facilitating at the SKETCHING IN PRACTICE 2017 SYMPOSIUM on June 23 and 24! It felt so great
Drawing Herons and Hummingbirds with Grades 1 and 2’s!
I had the pleasure of visiting with my dear friend Teri’s grade 1 and 2 class today in a Vancouver school! (Teri is a SUPERSTAR
The Heron Feathers: 100 Herons Art Project
THE PROJECT: I am creating of twelve 20″ x 30″ panels depicting a total 100 Herons [between June 14 to July 31, 2017]. For every $25 raised I
From the heart- a 15-day journal exercise: Part 2
I am re-reading Stephen Levine‘s A Year to Live- how to live this year as if it were your last as a personal exercise schedule to take
My Stanley Park observations find their way into “Molly” at unexpected times
Our usual spring awakening is late this year. I recall a walk around Beaver Lake a year ago… I was infused by the profound beauty of nature. Warm
Teachable moment during drawing session!
I have been incorporating How to Draw an OWL in my creative engagement for years. My must-bring tools always include: The china marker is the essential drawing
The best things in life are free…
Sitting here, surrounded by drawings and notes and cold coffee in multiple cups… butterflies in the stomach… I want to honor Molly, who reached out
Slithering pancreatic serpent. #griefprocess
In November 2007, Dr. Ebrahim sat knee to knee with my mother. I was on the other side of the little examination room. I recall
Last minute gift idea: pet portrait gift certificate!
Special holiday price: $45.00 CAD includes shipping TO ORDER FOR YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY: Email transfer to britakatarina@gmail.com or PAYPAL Recipient of gift certificate can
Art Sale: Frida and the Wounded Bird #fridakahlo
ART SALE: A special panel from my DRAWING ON PAIN Frida Kahlo is an icon and muse that I return to again and again. I am
‘Asta Sollilja of Summerhouses’ exhibit
My 1998 solo exhibit: Asta Sollilja of Summerhouses ONE OF THE PIECES FROM THE SHOW: The House, 1998, Katarina Thorsen It was a house and a
My Frida hung there…
I love the evolution of the street art creative process- the pasting of original art and letting it go into the world… Like the journey of
Special BLOG Portrait Sale! Only $35 CAD until Dec 15!
SALE ENDS DECEMBER 15, 2016 MIDNIGHT! Your fave subject interpreted in my signature style. How to: Make payment (see below) Email photo plus mailing address
Big Draw Vancouver Oct 1! Join me at Strathcona Community Centre for DRAWN TOGETHER
I LOVE teaching drawing! Join me on for BIG DRAW VANCOUVER on October 1 2016 10:30 AM-12:30 PM PT at Strathcona Community Centre in Vancouver BC (601 Keefer)
A visit to Artrageous Pictures and Framing!
It was wonderful to finally have a visit with Bill Pomeroy at Artrageous Pictures and Framing on Commercial Drive today! LOCATIONS: FRIDA!!! Check out
The 48 hr 12″ X 12″ portrait sale! Only $48 CAD!!!
IT’S BEEN AWHILE! TIME FOR A PORTRAIT SALE! 48 hours only! September 1, 2016 12 noon to September 3, 2016 12 noon Only $48 CAD (approx.
Williams Lake/ Punky Lake Summer 2016 Diary- Part 4: Day 2 The Wall
Recall: Part 3- Day 1 Today: Williams Lake/ Punky Lake Summer 2016 Diary- Part 4: Day 2 The Wall It doesn’t take long to make
Catacomb of Veils- Burning Man 2016, Part 4 of 4: The Scope
Part 4 of 4: THE SCOPE Catacomb of Veils will be the largest art piece at Burning Man 2016 and one of the largest burned
Catacomb of Veils- Burning Man 2016, Part 3 of 4: The Team
Catacomb of Veils will be the largest art piece at Burning Man 2016 and one of the largest burned sculptures in the history of the
Catacomb of Veils- Burning Man 2016, Part 2 of 4: The Inspiration
Recall Part 1: The Project Catacomb of Veils will be the largest art piece at Burning Man 2016 and one of the largest burned sculptures
Catacomb of Veils – Burning Man 2016, Part 1 of 4: The Project
Something extraordinary is underway in San Francisco: Catacombs of Veils. Catacomb of Veils will be the largest art piece at Burning Man 2016 and
Caress the detail, the divine detail. Language play.
I don’t consider myself a writer by any means. I am a visual artist inspired by the written word. I love gathering sources, collecting, researching,
MOLLY TERESA O’DWYER APRIL 25, 1924
Molly Teresa O’Dwyer (April 25, 1924 Costel, Ireland- November 6, 1947; suicide, age 23 in Vancouver, BC, Canada (Mountainview Cemetery, Vancouver) — My passion project,
In harmony with the currents of life… #jellyfish
I was contemplating the word acceptance this evening and decided to look up symbolism. I came across a charming reference to the jellyfish: Jellyfish’s medicine includes –
Stanley Park. Birds. Angel whispers. And Pledge Drive.
I walked around Beaver Lake today. I was infused by the profound beauty of nature. Warm sun. Blossoms. Skunk cabbage. Herons were dancing in the wind
The Sparrow’s Feet.
I was gifted some delicate Sparrow feet from my friend, Hannah. — They immediately inspired a portrait of my main character, Molly: “How does one
Visual facilitation is #visualstorytelling w. felts and paper
Many of you know, I love mind mapping. If you say, can I talk to you? …you know that I will first pull out felt pens
Creative mind mapping example: developing characters
A Mind Map is a powerful graphic technique which provides a universal key to unlock the potential of the brain. It harnesses the full range
Custom Hand-Drawn Pet Portraits.
If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans. James
72-hour pledge drive to revive the 119 East Cordova Street Art Wall!
I need to raise some funds quickly and what better way than to dive right into my 2016 commitment to reviving the joy of street
