On January 15, 2017, I launched the first chapter of the third draft of my experimental graphic novel: Molly- a true crime analysis.
Birds have been a recurring theme throughout the work. It is difficult to explain their symbolism fully, but to me they carry messages across space and time.
I spent Dec 31, 2017-Jan 1, 2018 drawing birds for a particular image I wanted for Part 22 and in order to end and start the new year working on the book. The drawing process was a joy but I was surprised at how loud my inner critic was, how sad I became, how I questioned the validity of the book, the point.
I danced with the critic though, didn’t fight the darkness that welled up, and continued to put china marker to paper and wheatpaste to canvas until I felt done.
—
MOLLY- A TRUE CRIME ANALYSIS
This true crime/cold case/murder mystery art project has been part of my life since 2003, though I know I was born to write and illustrate it.
CHECK OUT:
“The image of a dead bird in the snow is similar to the popular “Babe in the Woods” motif of children who are in their mortal sleep in the forest, and may have likewise been a call to empathy for the less fortunate.”
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 above the lake, ducks were courting and playing, chipmunks and squirrels scurrying. Chestnut-backed chickadees and red-breasted nuthatches landed on my hands. I describe the feeling as angel whispers.
I took a few photos.
And drew my collected observations:
Drawing 1: March 28, 2016. China Marker on Newsprint 16″ x 24″
Stanley Park Scenes 72-hour PLEDGE DRIVE!
Until March 31, 2016 9 PM PT.
I am raising funds to renew and upgrade this blog and to purchase art supplies!
For every $20 pledged, I will draw a new scene from my daily observations of animal and bird activity in Stanley Park.
You can choose to purchase a drawing for a $75 or more donation.
The rest of the drawings will be donated to EVERGREEN HOUSE residential care facility, Lions Gate Hospital, North Vancouver to celebrate my father, Roar Thorsen (who lived at Evergreen House 2007-2012 and who loved drawing and being outside in nature) and to thank the staff who made our lives so happy.
Roar and Kat at Evergreen House April 2012
Pledgers can choose to have their names included on the donor list!
To pledge:
Donate via email transfer to britakatarina@gmail.com
If you are pledging to pre-order the e-book include a note/email address with your donation!
If you wish to purchase an original drawing (they will be shared here) for $75.00, include title of drawing and your mailing address with your donation!
If you enjoy my art blog, please consider a small donation! THANK YOU!
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 art in my personal community of students, colleagues and friends!
Announcing:
My 72-hour pledge drive to revive the 119 East Cordova Street Art Wall!
2 PM December 30, 2015- 2 PM January 2, 2016
Bird drawing marathon!
For each $10 raised I will be drawing a bird in my signature style:
These original bird drawings will be wheatpasted on the 119 East Cordova Street Art Wall with a few of my students/artist friends in the new year!
This wall was an important part of my work a few years back and well-loved by the community. It even appeared in the Hope in the Shadows 2015 Calendar!
It is time to revive the wall for the local residents and get back to vibrancy, healing power and joy that is street art!
My goal is to draw 120 birds (dead and alive depending on my whim) over the next 72 hours!
Support the pledge:
Donation via email transfer to britakatarina@gmail.com