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…

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…

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…

The most beautiful card in the world.

Today was my last session of the Cultural Identity Project with Laura Mathers Grade 8 class. I am so honoured to have worked with such an incredible group of youth. And what a beautiful surprise to receive this hand done card from the students (24 x 43.5 inches):

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…

JR and Swoon: my #wheatpaste heroes

The original inspiration: JR, a French street artist, uses his camera to show the world its true face. He makes his audacious TED Prize wish: to use art to turn the world inside out. A funny, moving talk about art and who we are. Learn more at insideoutproject.net. — Swoon is a Brooklyn-based artist whose life-sized…

Evolution of a portrait- @syncop

Step 1. Meet Instagram friend in person for first time! Step 2. Take photo  Step 3. Gather supplies Step 4. Draw Step 5. Invite subject to paste their portrait on “our wall”!  Stay tuned!

Be a rainbow in somebody’s clouds. – Maya Angelou

  My dear friend and colleague, Sara Place, took notes during Unique Lives with Maya Angelou on Monday night.  She shares her notes here: RAINBOWS IN THE CLOUDS Maya Angelou – October 29th                   “At the worst of times the possibility of seeing hope” – be a rainbow…

Charlotte Free.

Recall: Drawing Deconstruction Discovery of Charlotte Free   Endlessly inspiring: Check out:   —

Joe Average’s new site! #art #photography

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…

Evolution of a #wheatpaste portrait: Justine.

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…