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 there one day and gone the next it creates a kind of energy/excitement within the community. – Keri Smith
My portrait of Thane Koi, Feb 11, 2013 (chinamarker on newsprint)Emily Castellanos wheatpasting Thane, 119 East Cordova, Vancouver BC Feb 13, 2013
Today Feb 3, 2014
The elements and the interaction by the community has become essential to my creative process.
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:
Kevin pasting my portrait of Laurel Aitken one year ago
As our streetart wall grows, we are building connections with the local community, enjoying audience as we paint, inviting others to join.
Ava adds to the wall.AvaPhoto by Nancy Kirkpatrick
We are building dialogue around the “portrait.” We are building relationships and locals are asking to have their photos taken and portraits done as they enjoy the empowerment we all feel when being seen and being heard.
And speaking of community, make sure to check out:
Huge thank you to V-Rag Magazine, Cole Johnston and Matthew Roy for an amazing article in the SEPTEMBER 2012 issue and for the honor of appearing in this wonderful publication!
Vancouver’s Gay Arts & Culture Rag V-Rag is a free monthly publication available in shops, cafes, bars, restaurants and salons around the West End, Downtown, East Van, Main St, Kits, UBC, etc.
V-Rag is Vancouver’s gay arts and culture rag. They exist as an alternative to what is currently available to the gay and lesbian community of Vancouver: something that’s fun, entertaining, energetic and sexy. Each month they talk about events, music, film, entertainment, fashion, nightlife and local personalities. It’s the ultimate source of info on what’s new and fresh in gay and lesbian culture.
My students [at Intersections Media– a program I run with my brother, filmmaker Fred Thorsen] and I spent a wonderful morning yesterday with CBC Radio One’s Sheryl MacKay, taping a segment for North by Northwest regarding my art, the work I do and the street art!
Sheryl interviewing Tyler, with Angus.Tyler created a special piece for the wheatpaste session.Joshua, Tyler, Sheryl, Angus, Erica
Photo by Angus MacDonaldPhoto by Angus MacDonaldPhoto by Angus MacDonald
In my street art portraits, I draw people I know, people in my social media circle, people who draw me in (pardon the pun), people who inspire me.
I have been inspired by “Rochelle” (my local barista) for quite a while now. She was so gracious to accept my invitation to be photographed for reference shots. The first time I saw her, I knew I needed to draw her!
We did not anticipate the power of the shoot, though. As I explained to Rochelle what the photos are being used for, a dialogue opened up between us- a dialogue that can only be called powerful. The honesty and transparency of the moment moved everyone in the room and I am truly grateful for Rochelle’s fearlessness in allowing us to hear her incredible story of overcoming obstacles and to document her beauty. Her future is indeed bright.
What my streetart portraits are showing me time and again is the power of the portrait itself in opening dialogue and trust. The reaction people have to being drawn is what intrigues me the most.
In Rochelle, I am exploring the emotions that are exuded in the moment of transparency.
Each of us has an inner child of the past living within us. Those who needed to build no walls have access to that child’s creativity and spontaneity. Those who had to leave this crucial core behind can tear down the walls, see what the child needed but didn’t have, and begin to provide it now. The more we do this, the more we know that we are worth it. – Gloria Steinem
The following are samples of photos taken by my brother, Fred Thorsen. Glorious.
I cannot put words down for what was happening to me spiritually, emotionally, or mentally…..one of the most moving moments of my life. – Rochelle
I walked the alley at Main and Cordova today, like I usually do on my lunch break to air out my dog… I was surprised and strangely elated at the changes happening to our original pieces. This part of the process is equally as important as creating the pieces in the first place. Here are just a few examples.
We are SO LUCKY to be able to access more of Joe Average’s work on his new site! Check it out! It’s like drinking a cool glass of clear, clean, beautiful water.
Joe Average (born 1957) is a Canadian artist who resides in Vancouver, British Columbia. Diagnosed HIV+ at age 27, Average made the decision to commit the rest of his life to art, and to challenge himself to live by his art.
I finally got to meet with Joe Average on August 3, 2012, and I was so moved! He is one of my biggest inspirations… Meeting your hero is a spiritual experience. To discuss art together… not enough words can explain the delight and elation I felt!
My portrait of Joe. I gave him the originals and will wheatpaste prints! (China marker, acrylic on newsprint)My portrait of Joe and Nadine. I got to meet her! (China marker, acrylic on newsprint)“Miss Nadine,” Joe Average
Thank you, Joe, for allowing me to draw you!And for being so generous with your time and inviting me onto you paradise porch!
Joe Average took some fabulous photos of my dog, Tobey!
Graffiti is one of the few tools you have if you have almost nothing.And even if you don’t come up with a picture to cure world poverty you canmake someone smile while they’re having a piss.
I met up with Elijah yesterday so he could paste the portrait I created of him and his beloved dog, The Baconator! Thank you, Elijah, for an inspiring afternoon!
The city’s the best gallery I could imagine. I would never have to make a book and then present it to a gallery and let them decide if my work was nice enough to show it to people. I would control it directly with the public in the streets.
I start with an inspiring person and a photo that really draws me in.
China Marker of course. Guidelines in orange.
Detail in black. Highlights in white acrylic.
I encouraged Justine to cut out the portrait when I finished. She will paste it herself in a few days. It thrills me to watch people paste their own portraits!
Is it GUERILLA ART if you’re openly squealing with laughter?!
Photo by Nancy KirkpatrickSPECTACULAR monster series by Maryellen Groundwater. Photo by Nancy KirkpatrickSPECTACULAR monster series by Maryellen Groundwater. Photo by Nancy KirkpatrickPride tree by the beautiful and inimitable Nancy. Photo by Nancy KirkpatrickJosh, Rebecca. The colors! Photo by Nancy Kirkpatrick
Captured moments:
Maryellen prepping her pastingsNancy prepping her pieceMonster series by MaryellenPrepping my dead birds.
Paparazzi!
By Maryellen GroundwaterPerfect placement for Maryellen’s piece!
Dustin adding a bird to where his face used to be.Megan is missing. Or her portrait is.Megan adding a bird to the spot.All that is left of Maryellen’s piece is a little tree.Maryellen’s latest masterpiece finds the perfect spot.By Maryellen Groundwater
A place where local artists can share their work, skills and passion for arts and culture with their community. Featuring live painting, live music and a chance to mingle with local artisans!