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 plan will expire. Not able to renew it, I am letting it go and allowing it to do what it will. Information will likely be lost, but that is OK….
Category: Street art
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 self-judgment. That’s another thing all together]. I have learned how to dance with the inner critic in my art process, welcoming its critique versus criticism, allowing mistakes, experimenting, allowing editing,…
Happy birthday, Frida.
I am celebrating Frida Kahlo‘s birthday! Although her birth certificate says she was born on July 6, 1907, Frida Kahlo told people her date of birth was July 7, 1910. She allegedly did so not to seem younger but simply because she loved her home country, according to The Life and Times of Frida Kahlo filmmaker…
#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 to be around such like-minded, like-spirited, enthusiastic, inquisitive, creative people! I was invigorated! And being able to participate in three fabulous workshops as well was such a treat! June 23:…
See you at #SKiP 2017 June 23-24! @sketchapractice
I’m so excited and honored to be hosting two sessions at SKETCHING IN PRACTICE (SKiP) 2017 June 23-24, 2017 at SFU’s Goldcorp Centre! SKETCHING IN PRACTICE (SKiP) is a two-day symposium that explores the construction of meanings through sketching. In 2016 we brought in scholars and practitioners from diverse backgrounds to explore the question, What…
“To prepare a face to meet the faces…” the Williams Lake portraits
There will be time, there will be time To prepare a face to meet the faces that you meet… – TS Eliot — On my way to Williams Lake to co-facilitate forums with youth and program leaders for the viaSPORT YOUTH INCLUSION PROJECT! So excited to spend the week with this extraordinary community! Bringing along…
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 my Frida angel pasted on Valencia Street, San Francisco, three plus years ago: August 24, 2013 (photo by Anna Thorsen) November 28, 2016 (photo by Anna Thorsen) What motivates someone to…
Love letter to Toronto
6 AM Despite living in Canada most of my life, I had never been to Toronto before this year and now I am on my third visit in just a few months! Sitting at the table in my suite in Etobicoke [early morning preparing to co-facilitate with Beverley Pomeroy 3 days of engagement work with…
Woot! @BigDrawVan at @strathcentre turned out beautifully!
Recall: BIG DRAW VANCOUVER IN THE MIDST OF COMMUNITY CENTRE ACTIVITY, WITH KIDS PLAYING BASKETBALL AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS OF ALL AGES WALKING THROUGH, DRAWN TOGETHER WORKED OUT BEAUTIFULLY. WE HAD THREE TABLES SET UP IN THE HALLWAY(!) AND THERE WAS A GREAT TURNOUT! THE BUSYNESS WAS INVIGORATING AND PARTICIPANTS WERE AMAZING! HUGE THANK YOU TO ALISON…
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) as I host a two hour drawing session! My fabulous artist friend, Alison Donnelly, will be co-hosting! Try out chinamarkers on newsprint, add to a community art project using…
Williams Lake/ Punky Lake Summer 2016 Art Camp Diary- Part 6: the photographer
Recall: Preview Part 1: Preparation Part 2: Travel Part 3: Art Camp Day 1 Part 4: Art Camp Day 2 Part 5: Art Camp Day 3 — Part 6: Punky Lake Wilderness Camp Society Summer 2016 Art Camp- the photographer What a treat it was to be joined by photographer Rick Magnell of Magnell Photography on Days…
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 connections and on the morning of Day 2 it was evident we were all a connected and creative group building new bonds and friendships! (Portrait of youth participant from photo…
Williams Lake/ Punky Lake Summer 2016 Diary- Part 3: Day 1
Recall: Preview Part 1: Preparation Part 2: Travel Part 3: Punky Lake Wilderness Camp Society Summer 2016 Art Camp Day 1 Executive Director Sarah Jackman picked me up this morning… … and drove me through extraordinary scenery… … to the Old School Training and Recreation Complex in Riske Creek. First days are always about gaining trust and…
Williams Lake/Punky Lake Summer 2016 Diary- Preview
I leave on Monday for a new adventure! I’ll be facilitating a 3-day art immersion camp in Williams Lake with Punky Lake Wilderness Camp Society. Though I have a plan laid out and we have a goal- this will be a youth-led project, and no doubt the results will be surprising and magical! I’ll be…
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 sculptures in the history of the event. Everyone participating in the creation of Catacomb is all-volunteer with a commitment to the transformative power of temporary art. – [SOURCE] Recall: Part…
The heart of communication is to observe, wait and listen…
A major part of my role in any workshop that I facilitate is CREATIVE ENGAGEMENT. I am currently sitting at gate B25 at the airport in Toronto prepping to head home after an incredible experience co-delivering workshops that address challenges and provide staff team training in a particular residential living community. — — To engage…
Lessons from Pippi- strength, generosity and gentleness…
Being Swedish,Pippi Longstocking has been an icon to me all my life. Yes, there are troubling racist elements in the books and, my God, as a child I would lay awake at night worrying about Pippi living alone, but Pippi’s character is glorious and hopeful. She’s ahead of her time- a give-no-fucks attitude combined with curiosity…
Personalized One-of-a-kind Paper Dresses
Personalized paper dresses in MY signature style and YOUR chosen theme! HAND DRAWN HAND SEWN ORIGINAL ART WITH EMBROIDERY DETAILS UPCYCLED/RECYCLED — CONTACT ME at britakatarina@gmail.com TO CUSTOM ORDER Expect 6 weeks until delivery Many of you have seen my paper dresses come and go on the blog here. SAMPLE LINKS: THE BYPOSTSTREET LAUNCH PAPER DRESSES THE BYPOSTSTREET PUNK…
The Alpha Secondary School heART Project Sessions 1-4 of 6
The Alpha Secondary School heART Project Youth-run initiative using the vehicle of street art to address social and emotional intelligence and life- and transferable skills, while developing self-empowerment, peer to peer interaction and community connections I am delighted to be working with Yasmin Tayob and Michele Lopez and extraordinary students and volunteers on a wall…
Allá cuelga mi vestido. The Frida Kahlo paperdress in progress
I love drawing. I love crafting. I love street art. And I LOVE making paper dresses. Perhaps because it combines all my art forms- I am so blissed out when I make these things! Here is the latest one the compiles my collection of Frida doodles. Stay tuned for photo shoot of finished piece next…
Art is not about the finished product but about the creative process.
INTERACTIVE ART Art is a powerful tool to facilitate connection and healing. For me, art is not about the finished product but about the creative process. Allowing the community to take ownership of the art creates dialogue- an ongoing dynamic that enriches all involved. On Saturday June 14, 2014, senior residents at Rideau Manor and audience…
SALE! Today only! Ending 12AM PT: order a handdrawn portrait in my signature style for only $30!
Many of you have asked, pleaded, begged… so today I’m doing a special SALE! Today only ending 12AM PT: order your handdrawn portrait in my signature style for only $30! 18″ x 24′ on newsprint in china marker Regular price ranges from $100-$300 But until midnight tonight, for $30 per portrait, I will…
Cultural identity project at Byrne Creek Secondary- Gallery #wheatpaste #chinamarker #paint
CULTURAL IDENTITY PORTRAIT PROJECT SESSION 6 OF 7, BYRNE CREEK SCHOOL GR. 8 Recall previous posts about this project: Does wheatpaste work on a ceiling tile? Session 2 of 7 Today we added final touches. 30 Grade 8 students did an extraordinary job on this project. The result illustrates that their true identity lies in connection,…
It has been a beautiful fight. Still is. – Bukowski
“Lighting new cigarettes, pouring more drinks. It has been a beautiful fight. Still is.” – Charles Bukowski
Does wheatpasting work on a ceiling tile? Hmmm…
I will be facilitating a really exciting Cultural Portrait pilot project at a local high school in a couple of weeks. The plan is for the 30 students to create a street art type ceiling as they explore self and cultural identity. The work is to go on those classic porous school ceiling tiles- you…
Evolution of a #wheatpaste. Portrait of @ThaneKoi, one year later
What is the point of a piece that is meant to be temporary? Work that is impermanent reminds us that nothing in life is permanent, that every state is temporary and transitory. Contemplating this concept teaches us to embrace change in our life, instead of working against it. When others notice a piece that is…
The I AM AN ARTIST MANIFESTO
The I AM AN ARTIST manifesto – Katarina Thorsen, 2014
Draw-a-sugarskull tutorial!
Pull out some supplies and enjoy this old drawing tutorial to celebrate the release of our by post street iPhone case featuring Calavera (sugarskull) Karl! Anna T Fabulous of by post street and Jenn Mickey of 1181 Lounge at by post street launch party, April 2013. Photo by Viranlly Aix Liemena
New tattoos. Wear your heart on your skin in this life. – Sylvia Plath
I originally visited Granville Street Tattoos last year for my Frida tattoo by English Dan. I was so happy to be back as I treated myself last week to a very healing session with Dusty. He created a gorgeous and happy sugarskull for me. I am so honored to have Dusty create the image and…
What stays, what goes, what changes. Our ever-evolving wall.
Huge thank you to Brianna Baker, Chrissy Capilano, Dan O’Brien, Zöe Harvey and Warren Nicolson for being part of the latest wheatpaste session at our wall. The first paste ever on our wall July 17, 2012: And today: