Community: I am

Thesis work. Mixed media collage, 2012.

Stronger than bone

Mixed media collage, 2012. More thesis work. The illustrated word is the theme for the upper illustration. The hands talk about the positive aspect of opening up to someone, the hope in being close, while the illustrated word comment upon the potential danger or imprisonment of intimacy. 

In my thesis work, I was heavily influenced by an ancient legend that talk in a symbolistic manner about human connection and how people are tied to each other across cultures, borders, time and place. The idea is that human beings are always searching for their spot in the world, trying to answer questions such as: Who am I? What am I doing here? The legend explains how all people are handed a role in the world, and despite the vast diversity of people found in the world, when we are all added up, the universe starts to play like a script. Like music. Everyone fits in, the puzzle is complete. I hope my work embodies this idea. 

There is an ancient Chinese legend, about a red thread that connects all human beings, by wrapping around each and every single one of our ankles. It connects those who are destined to meet regardless of time, place or circumstances. Sometimes the thread is loose, other times tight, and sometimes there is a knot or a loop on the thread. Still, it never breaks. There are no loose ends. The thread forms a network of all the people your life touch. This way all people are equal and play important roles in the world. Strangers affect strangers in ways they couldn’t possibly imagine.

Graduated.

Had some promotional postcards made from one of my thesis illustrations.

Here are some shots of my thesis bachelor presentation in action as well as me and my work post completion. It's quite wonderful and strange to think that now I have graduated 4 years of college in a foreign country. It feels so good! Time flies. Or rather, as the Chinese would say: Time comes! I am thrilled to find what the future might bring. I wish you all a peaceful and joyful Holiday! God romjul!

Tradition: One inch

"Tradition: One Inch." Mixed media and collage. October 2012 The first thesis illustration I completed. More work from my final semester at PNCA will soon be up. Good night world!

Moodboard: the beginning of thesis

This is one of my early thesis "ideation" moodboards I did in October. Now that my thesis is coming towards an end, it is great to look back at this and see that I stayed true to my original ideas and goals, and discover how much I have learned in the process.

Magnolia Blossom

I made this illustrated recipe for http://www.theydrawandcook.com/ It is my favorite drink. Here's to hoping it will get published in their book. Enjoy!

HOME

This little place I like to call home.

$5 OFF on all products in my store!

Hurry up and get $5 OFF any product from my store! The offer expires at midnight on November 11th. PS: You need to enter through the link below to get the offer. I make the same profit if you buy my product using this offer as I would normally. http://society6.com/learebeccakarlsen?promo=8572ce

Captured summer memories of Sicily

I'm enjoying a good cup of coffee and appreciating my vivid and warm summer memories. Portland just went from fall to cold winter today. In busy days like these it is encouraging to look back at days of discovery, family and fun! These photos are from Cefalu, Sicily. I am not a photographer, I still wanted to share pieces of my amazing trip this past summer. Where ever you are, I hope you'll have a fabulous day!

Cefalu, Sicilia.

More photographs from Cefalu, Sicily.

Captured: a photo marathon!

During these days of wind, rain and darkness (as well as buckets and tons of work) I find great inspiration in looking at the photographs I took last summer. It brings sunshine into my day and makes me smile. Therefore, I have decided to share some of my own favorite photographs from the summer of 2012. I aim to post a few every day of this week. I will start of with the trip I took to Cefalu, Sicily, Italy. For more images of the beautiful Sicilian landscape, check in tomorrow. Let the marathon begin! Ready, set, go.

Grafic portrait. Monotype serving as sketches

These are monotype sketches I did recently. They serve as prep work for my thesis.