Karlene Harvey is an illustrator, artist and writer, with mad skills in the realms of photography, mixed media, installation work, video, poetry, children’s writing and much more; her style ranges from the whimsical and magical to the serious and socially aware.
While being an incredibly talented artist, she is also a thoughtful human being who advocates for the well-being of her family, friends, and community. To top it off, she has recently become involved in roller derby, has a beautifully haunting singing voice, and is just about the best friend and colleague that one could hope to have; it seems to me that once Kar Harvey puts her mind to something, there is nothing that she can’t do. In 2011, she will be exhibiting a new art installation that examines aspects of her Tsilhqot'in heritage and language.
- Altaira Northe
The Proof
01 Zines! I printed a whole bunch of my work for Canzine West this past October. It was such a great event and really well organized.
02 I live very close to the Lost Lagoon on the edge of Stanley Park. My favorite part about going for walks around that area is watching all of the swans.
03 This is an illustration that I've drawn recently. It's colored in photoshop. I've been getting kind of obsessed with drawing bunting flags, they are pretty neat looking.
04 My fridge door, filled with photos, drawings and postcards. Can you see the two Polaroids? My birthday is on December 25th, and one time, a friend gave me a photo of a gigantic sign that read: "HAPPY BIRTHDAY KARLENE XOXO". Turns out she semi-vandalized a local church sign that originally wished jesus the happy b-day. It still makes me laugh.
05 Breakfast! Over the last two years, I’d try to take a picture of my breakfast at least once a week. I’ve really dropped the ball on that project, but I plan to start doing it again soon. You can find them on my flickr account which is linked off my blog.
06 Roller skates! Check these out! They look so badass!
07 Ok ok, everyone knows Bukowski is a total asshole, but these book covers are my favorite! The typography and images are so simple and perfect.
08 This a work-in-progress. Cardboard houses? Check. Colorful flags? Check. Cluttered mess? Check.
The Questions
What neighborhood do you live in?
I live in the West End, just off Denman street. My partner and I lived in the Mt. Pleasant area for years, and when we were looking for a new apartment we decided to give this neighbourhood a try. 2 years later, it turns out it's pretty great. And when we want to visit East Van, the #19 bus takes us everywhere we need to go.
What do you do and where?
I'm an illustrator, artist and a sometimes writer. I used to have a studio downtown but realized that all of my projects are tech-dependent and I found it difficult to not have my computer-scanner-printer handy at all times. So it turns out, I just work better from home. Besides art stuff, I recently joined roller derby and am super excited to take part in a sport that is made up of creative AND athletic women.
What are you working on?
Several things, I will list them:
-A photo project made up of cardboard houses, flags, and lots of bright colors. (see photo #8!)
-I'm trying to start a Children’s Book Publishing Company with a friend of mine who is much more experienced in publishing than I am.
And finally,
-I received a grant last year to create an art installation that is about my Native language and territory. The project is made up of video projections, sandblasted glass panels and translated text. Over the past year, It’s become even more meaningful to me because of the proposed copper mine at Fish Lake which was just recently rejected by the federal government. My nation, the Tsilhqot’in, has received a lot of exposure because of it and I feel like it's the perfect time to be making art about how the land has significant cultural worth. Hopefully, I will find an exhibition space to present this work in the new year.
Where can we find your work?
-My drawings are published in local newspapers and magazines.
-Most recently, I’ve had some poetry published in Poetry is Dead magazine and Dark Fountain Journal.
-I'm participating in 2011 Sketchbook Project which will go on tour next year and will exhibit in Seattle amongst other places. Eventually, my sketchbook will be housed in the Brooklyn Art Library, which is pretty cool.
-Also, there's my blog, which is probably the best way to keep in touch about my latest projects.
