On January 31, 2018, a beloved landmark and one of my most favorite places on the planet, Salmagundi West, will close its doors at its current location.
No words suffice for my gratitude for this shop and for Anne Banner.
The objects I have collected from the shop and have been gifted from Anne and the times I have spent there continue to inspire my creative process on a daily basis.
The shop, the objects, the ghosts, Anne- all embody MAGIC.
Here are just some posts I have shared in the past based on my visits there:
[Click on image to go to links. They are each filled with photos and wonderful memories from my times there]
Post 1:
Post 2:
Post 3:
Post 4:
Post 5:
Post 6:
Post 7:
On March 7, 2013, I was humbled at the generosity of Salmagundi West owner Anna Banner who allowed us to use her store as a back drop for a photoshoot for Molly- a true crime analysis!
I was joined by Jocelyn Louise (who portrays Molly) and stylist Jay Fisher…
Jay, Jocelyn, Anne
… and my daughter Anna Thorsen who took the main shots (to be shared in the book).
Anna, Jocelyn
Here are some moments I captured. The focus for me was to emulate Molly’s restless travels.
Where dips the rocky highland Of Sleuth Wood in the lake, There lies a leafy island Where flapping herons wake The drowsy water-rats; There we’ve hid our faery vats, Full of berries And of reddest stolen cherries. Come away, O human child! To the waters and the wild With a faery, hand in hand, For the world’s morefull of weeping than you can understand.
I am struck by the ability of my model, Jocelyn Louise, to convey, in a simple glance, the pain of my main character as she tries to escape the memories of childhood trauma.
Sins of the father.
Asexual.
Living in church,
reading about God all the time,
getting callouses on my knees.
It doesn’t stop him.
My death stops him.
– Maire MacLachlan
China marker on newsprint.
Styled by Jay Fisher. Photo by Anna Thorsen.
GRABLINE:
He brushed the leaves aside and uncovered the most baffling double murder Vancouver has ever had.
On March 7, 2013, I was humbled at the generosity of Salmagundi West owner Anna Banner who allowed us to use her store as a back drop for our latest photoshoot!
I was joined by Jocelyn Louise (who portrays Molly) and stylist Jay Fisher…
Jay, Jocelyn, Anne
… and my daughter Anna Thorsen who took the main shots (to be shared in the book).
Anna, Jocelyn
Here are some moments I captured. The focus for me was to emulate Molly’s restless travels.
Where dips the rocky highland Of Sleuth Wood in the lake, There lies a leafy island Where flapping herons wake The drowsy water-rats; There we’ve hid our faery vats, Full of berries And of reddest stolen cherries. Come away, O human child! To the waters and the wild With a faery, hand in hand, For the world’s morefull of weeping than you can understand.
As I experiment with marrying text to illustration in my graphic novel, I am working from the end backwards, creating a working title and promotional mockup. Acting as if the book is completed, the project feels organized and allows me to create a skeletal framework on which to flesh out ideas. This framework can then be dismantled, contorted and altered as needed. It is not the final result by any means, but it is a great way to MOVE FORWARD. And I’m moving forward fast!
I have some exciting ideas as to how to present the finished work (format, paper etc) but first I will marry image to page and and image and pages to chapters and I am loving the creative process. Next up is ensuring all the permissions are in place for using primary sources, news articles, photographs and names within the work. And more photoshoots!
GRABLINE:
He brushed the leaves aside and uncovered the most baffling double murder Vancouver has ever had.
– The Vancouver Province April 15, 1953
SYNOPSIS:
Who killed the Babes in the Wood? Artist, art therapist and researcher, Katarina Thorsen, makes her case as to the resolution of this historical Vancouver mystery through crime scene reconstruction, forensic taphonomy, historical archives, genealogical records, behavior evidence analysis, circumstantial connections and artistic interpretation. Katarina first immersed herself in the investigation in 2003 when she volunteered as a criminal profiler and researcher with the Babes in the Wood Task Force. She has remained dedicated to the case ever since.
Using a combination of text, primary sources, illustrations and photographs, Katarina now presents her research journey, equivocal findings and creative process to the reader. The goal is to identify the children whose skeletal remains were found in Stanley Park on January 15, 1953. Through rich and insightful imagery, Regarding Molly reveals a portrait of a troubled young woman in post war Vancouver. The reader is encouraged to draw their own conclusion as to the identity of the Babes in the Wood, their mother and killer.
Following Katarina’s lead, readers will be inspired to search out their own stories using intensive genealogical research.
AUTHOR’S BIO:
Artist/ art therapist Katarina Thorsen is passionate about the power of research and collaborative approaches to create solutions. She specializes in providing therapeutic art to at-risk youth and young offenders. Her own art work includes drawing, painting, crafting, journaling and street art and can be found in private international collections and on the streets of North America and Europe. She believes wholeheartedly in the healing power of art and its ability to build connections. Katarina resides in Vancouver, BC.
Photo by Nancy KirkpatrickJocelyn Louise as Molly. Styled by Jay Fisher.
As an artist/researcher/behavior evidence analyst, these photos fill every cell of my being with joy! It is wonderful to allow a fellow artist the freedom to do his work within the context/limits of a vision. Extraordinary.
December 3, 2012 was an evening of collaboration as Jocelyn Louise and Jay Fisher recreated 1947 and main characters from my graphic novel as they were photographed by the extraordinary photographer, Rick Legal, and as the entire process was documented by photographer and colleague, Nancy Kirkpatrick.
The book will include text, illustration, photography, street art, primary sources, documentation and collaboration.
Photo by Nancy KirkpatrickJay and Jocelyn. Photo by Nancy KirkpatrickPhoto by Nancy KirkpatrickPhoto by Nancy KirkpatrickPhoto by Katarina ThorsenRick Legal. Photo by Nancy Kirkpatrick.Photo by Nancy KirkpatrickPhoto by Nancy KirkpatrickPhoto by Nancy KirkpatrickPhoto by Julian BowersPhoto by Katarina ThorsenPhoto by Nancy KirkpatrickPhoto by Katarina Thorsen“November 6, 1947” Photo by Katarina Thorsen
I have been a fan of Rick Legal’ work for a long time and it is such an honor to have his work appear in my book. As I write this, he is in the process of editing his images. Here is a sneak peek:
Photo by Rick Legal
Jocelyn Louise. Photo by Rick Legal
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**NEXT STEP: MIND MAPPING THE STRUCTURE OF THE BOOK**
Photo by Nancy KirkpatrickJocelyn Louise as Molly. Styled by Jay Fisher.
As of this moment [September 8, 2011], we’re 97% funded!
BUT to get funding we need to reach 100%! That’s how Kickstarter works! Please help us make our goal by Sept 11 5:17 PM! Raising more than the goal is OK, though! More than OK!!!
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Yesterday we did a photoshoot [for promotion and illustration resource purposes] on location with Jocelyn Louise as “Molly.” Jay Fisher was our stylist and Fredrik Thorsen, our photographer! Heart stopping!
To help fund this graphic novel go to KICKSTARTER!
Note: All backers will receive a mention in the book (if they so wish). Take a look at the fun rewards available for various donation levels! In addition, backers who donate $100 and above will receive a signed copy of the book when it is published! All backers who donate $50 and up will appear in the graphic novel in a cameo role!
As of this moment [September 7, 2011], we’re 96% funded!
BUT to get funding we need to reach 100%! That’s how Kickstarter works! Please help us make our goal by Sept 11 5:17 PM! Raising more than the goal is OK, though! More than OK!!!
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Today we did a photoshoot [for promotion and illustration resource purposes] on location with Jocelyn Louise as “Molly.” Jay Fisher was our stylist and Fredrik Thorsen, our photographer!
I was in ecstasy! Seeing Molly come to life is a dream come true.
More glorious photos will be shared in the next post but for now here are some shots I took of Jay, Fredrik and Jocelyn during the making of…
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To help fund this graphic novel go to KICKSTARTER!
Note: All backers will receive a mention in the book (if they so wish). Take a look at the fun rewards available for various donation levels! In addition, backers who donate $100 and above will receive a signed copy of the book when it is published! All backers who donate $50 and up will appear in the graphic novel in a cameo role!
As of this moment [September 5, 2011], we’re 80% funded.
BUT to get funding we need to reach 100%! That’s how Kickstarter works! Please help us make our goal by Sept 11 5:17 PM!
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All backers who donate $50 and up will appear in the graphic novel in a cameo role! The era ranges from 1925-1953, from Ireland through Pier 21, to Alberta, to British Columbia!
Example: Jocelyn Louise on a tram in 1947...
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And stay tuned for photoshoot on Wednesday on location with Jocelyn Louise as our model, Jay Fisher as stylist and Victor Bearpark as photographer! Can’t wait!
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To help fund this graphic novel go to KICKSTARTER!
Note: All backers will receive a mention in the book (if they so wish). Take a look at the fun rewards available for various donation levels! In addition, backers who donate $100 and above will receive a signed copy of the book when it is published!
I drew this quick drawing of Tracey when she invited me into her beautiful home for tea. She is one special human being and I am honored to have her be part of my event! Check out her show on June 19!
Some people are your heroes even before you meet them in person.
I am so excited to have Tiko Kerr participate in the celebration of heroes with heART!
I paint quickly and intuitively which I believe allows me to go to the deeper places within myself, making my paintings emotionally more authentic and engaging. If I want a painting to work, I touch upon something in my past, or something that is of importance to me, and miraculously that resonance comes across on the canvas. – Tiko Kerr
And some people inspire you by the work and personality they present to the world:
My drawing of Lady Gaga (11" x 17") will be raffled off at the event! Your entry fee into the workshop gets you three raffle tickets for the chance to win original artwork!
The art event as a huge success and is now a catalyst for bringing more of these happenings to Vancouver. It left attendees hungry for more creative and interactive art experiences.
I met with the muses last Monday and our next event will likely be some time in May 2011. The focus will be THE PORTRAIT, as inspired by THE INSIDE OUT PROJECT (see details about this project below).
The premise of the night will be to install 12 large canvases in the creative space. Each canvas will have a portrait of a local (through pre-registration and subject will be in attendance). The portrait will have been started by me in charcoal prior to the event- essentially an outline/layout of the essential form of that person. The subjects and a group of participants will then finish the individual portraits during the 3 hour evening. The process will be filmed and participants interviewed (if they choose) regarding their relationship to the pieces and their experience of the creative process.
There will also be body art, cash bar, aprés dinner snacks and film. Afterwards, the portraits will be photographed and be made into posters for pasting around town. This process will also be filmed and a blog page will be started to record the relationship of the pieces to the community. The original pieces may travel and be re-exhibited once the film is completed.
This event was born out of a conversation I had with my dear friend Diane Clement, who made me realize “YES, I CAN!”
What an evening of art and people supporting at-risk youth programs! Here are photos of art created by participants in our mega-art therapy session! I am also including feedback and my thank you’s below.
In my art school (1980’s), teachers would not share their art work until the last day of the course so as not to influence us. I have found that allowing people to be surrounded by my art and creative process seems to make people at ease and encourage self-expression.
If anything, tonight has made me, and others, want to get our paints and canvases out and just…do this. – Jocelyn Louise (March 10th art event)
2. My friend Jay Peachy shared his art including painting on Fabricio Borges! I encourage you to go to jay’s site and learn more about this extraordinary human!
Art is a means of survival. – Jay Peachy
Documentarian Janelle Cara Huopalainen is doing a film about Jay and captured the entire evening! Thanks, Janelle!
3. Rebecca Rawlinson not only hosted the night and had her portrait done, but shared her gorgeous business cards (featuring her photography) which are collectors items!
4. In the centre of the room we arranged a large group canvas piece for people to paint on. Magical!
Team Stomp (Jasmine, Sam, Hannah, Ashleigh) by Jasmine Schuett
I received some amazing feedback, and that certainly feels good! But it’s not all about me- it’s about sharing time, space and art with you, my community! Love you all!
Congratulations to Rebecca Bree Rawlinson and Kat Thorsen for hosting an amazing artistic experience. Best I’ve ever been to in Vancouver. I had an amazing time looking at all the work and being able to create my own. The food was fabulous, and the whole atmosphere was fun and beautiful. I can’t wait for future collaborations between you two. My first Kat Thorsen event led me to being incredibly impressed, amazed and in awe of the whole experience. I have never been to an interactive art show – and it was fabulous. The atmosphered, layout, mediums to draw on, quality and variety of work exhibited were all though-out and done with full quality from a curating context. I am very excited for future events hosted by Rebecca Rawlinson x Kat Thorsen team. – Julia Kozlov
I am thrilled to live in a city, which offers programs such as Intersections Media. I wish more people knew that it existed so I’m doing my part to spread the news. – MC
Kat, that was incredible. So many people want to get their art supplies out. Me as well. – JL
Your show was amazing. It was nice to have you in the spotlight and not your amazing offspring. – CD
Looks like everyone is having a great time at @KatThorsen ‘s Art Show!! Yippee!! #prouddaughter – AT
@katthorsen love your passion for at risk students with your art dream, @shetoshic is completely supportive in any future work to help out!
At an amazing art event for @KatThorsen hosted by @RebeccaRaw wow!! What a wonderful display of incredible art! Love it! – JR
What a great night last night ! The crowd, the food, the art work, the creativity, and event was really first class and enjoyable! Kat- I’m proud of what you achieved last night….you put smiles on many peoples faces! How rapidly you created the portrait painting left many of us in awe… – DA
What a FUN, MAGICAL NIGHT – [Kat] was AMAZING – the ‘instant’ picture of her friend and the friends paintings she unveiled – were SENSATIONAL – so REAL – they looked ALIVE. AND – her personal books of her work, and her many eclectic art pieces were unique. She spoke so well and sincerely – she is a very special, warm, giving, talented young woman – D. and I have so much admiration for her and for [her two siblings] – Their mother is ‘beaming’ down at her “Mighty Trio” with pride! – Diane Clement
Pies para que los quiero, si tengo alas para volar (Frida) – CA
Amazing work! – RM
Fantastic! – CC
The amount of your own self you express in all your work is amazing. You are a brilliant and revolutionary artist. – JK
Mamma skulle vara så glad i det här. Fantastisk! – FT
What an amazing night you put on. My friends and I were so impressed by the venue, the set up and, mostly, your incredible talent. – IP
Thank you for everything I enjoyed myself so much. You are so awesome and thank you for sharing with us your time and energy. You have inspired me to want to do more with my life that is for sure. – DJ
Loved being there – you are awesome!!!!!! – LG
Wow, what an impressive night… congratulations, Kat! – BS
THANK YOU’S
My muses (Rebecca Rawlinson, Jocelyn Louise, Jay Fisher) and I thank you for an incredible experience. The first of many!
Thank you’s to:
– Diane Clement whose support and encouragement a few months ago led to this event and to Doug whose wisdom, talent and eye always inspires me.
– District 319 (Dahel Cox, Lynn Vince, Miguel Gomez, Louis, Lazarro and all the staff and crew) for their incredible venue, generosity, set up and support!!!
– Intersections Media (incl. Selina) and my brother Fredrik for their inspiring youth program, for all the support, and for supplying great atmosphere and videos! Thank you little brother for all you do!
– Marcia Fordyce-Coons of Copper Alley Cafe for providing such gorgeous food! A hit!
– Rebecca for making this night a success and whose support has changed my life.
– Rick for helping with the art, for his general loveliness and for supplying his van!
– My mentor DA for showing me new ways of looking at myself and for challenging me.
– Jay Peachy for making everything seem possible! (and Star, one of the most beautiful dogs in the world).
– Jainy, Ashleigh, Jasmine, Sam, Hannah and Julian for making the evening run so smoothly (and thank you, Julian for the soundtrack!)
– Jocelyn and Jay for being so inspiring and allowing me such freedom (and Jay for my blond hair!)
– Fabricio for his participation, enthusiasm and beauty.
– Julia Kozlov for her support, her interview, her coverage of the event and her activism.
– The Rawlinson family for their generous support.
– To my entire extended family for EVERYTHING!
– TO ALL OF YOU who participated, donated and who supported youth programs by buying art!
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Well, that was AMAZING!! What a night! Let’s do it all over again!!
One week until the big event! Post punk playlist is being assembled by @BearFallsDead! Digging out old works from storage this weekend! And attacking the new portraits of Jocelyn Louise and Jay Fisher! Now the big question: What will Rebecca wear!?
I love having live muses! That are local! Can’t wait to dig into the new portraits of these three! Reveal at the big event on March 10! Let’s see where the Universe takes me!
Rebecca Rawlinson!Jocelyn Louise!Jay Fisher!
Rewarding me, by chance, for any good decision, and taking locks aside of the enchanting face…
