Issue #44: I Can See Clearly Now

Thank you to Ollie Quinn Toronto for this beautiful testimonial: 

“From our very first meeting with Pam, we were infinitely impressed with both her passion and professionalism. Pam thoughtfully created a concept for a mural that aligned succinctly with our brand’s identity, and fit seamlessly with the neighbourhood our main store is located in. Balancing the visual accuracy of her subject matter (the bilberry plant) with the existing aesthetic of our store’s interior, Pam created a stunning mural that countless OQ customers have fallen in love with since its completion. Working quickly to accommodate a deadline for our International Women’s Day 2018 campaign, Pam’s presence in our boutique was a joy. While she finished painting the mural in a matter of days, we’ll be admiring her beautiful bilberries in our store for years to come.” ~Ollie Quinn

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Thank you for hearting art,
Pam ❤

Issue #43: City Selfie

Greetings from Toronto

The hotel's goal for the mural was to welcome guests and inspire them to take a selfie with it. So I designed a colourful view of iconic buildings that guests may visit during their stay in Toronto. An interactive swing allows them to sit against the wall and hold onto the ropes. An aerial perspective of the city looks Southward, from the Holiday Inn's location at Yorkdale to the waterfront. Voila—their selfie looks as though they're swinging high above the city!

"Each time I caught sight of geese swooping in formation across the sky, I wondered how our life below might look from their perspective, and imagined that, were they ever to indulge in such speculation, the high-rises might seem to them like firs massed in a grove." ~Teju Cole

See more photos and the rest of the issue here...

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Thank you for hearting art,
Pam ❤ 

Issue #40: Medicinal Plant Paint

The Evergreen Brick Works

Trees were starting to turn into Autumn colours as spiritual leader Philip Cote from First Story led us along a waterlily-filled pond. We paused at a cedar tree as he explained the process of making tea from the leaves to prevent pneumonia. I tasted cedar for the very first time—then sumac seeds which also makes a medicinal tea. Funny—I had drawn and made paint from sumac leaves only a few days before!

At the top of the hill, we gathered in a circle while Philip drummed. We passed along burning sweetgrass, smudging ourselves to open up to learn. While I continue to draw and learn about plants, I'm discovering a deeper respect for nature. Nature is all around, offering materials to create art and remedies to keep us healthy. More than ever before, it's important to love nature as much as she loves us.

"Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you." ~Frank Lloyd Wright

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Thank you for hearting art!
❤ Pam

Issue #39: Reflections | snoitcelfeR

Thin Blue Line

With Lake Ontario by my side, I ride along a 2-lane pathway with other commuters. The flat morning water mirrors birds lined up on the breakwater. Over the Humber Bridge, I hear the river below and see the CN Tower in the misty distance. Past the Butterfly Habitat, lake-view condos rise into the sky and families go for a stroll. Onto a boardwalk, a lighthouse in a marina brings me back to small towns in Nova Scotia. The shoreline twists along protected bays where swans sail by in silence and loons dive for their breakfast. A shining glare washes out the horizon line, blending water into the sky. Ripples start to form as the water turns bluer and the sun gets warmer. Then I arrive...

The Martin Goodman Trail extends 36 km from Ashbridges Bay all the way to Humber Bay Park. I rode along the Western stretch to Lakeshore Village and relished in all the views of open sky and water. I'd never seen this part of the trail before—yet funny enough, it was a perfect reflection of the mural I was painting!

"Art is not a reflection of reality, it is the reality of a reflection." ~Jean-Luc Godard

Read the full Art Letter here. It features:
❤ The Lakeshore Village Mural
❤ Sky/Sea Scapes

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Thank you for hearting art!
❤ Pam

Art Letter #31: Playing Around

"I believed then—in a deep, easy way that is impossible for me as an adult—that there was more to this world than meets the eye. Trees had spirits; the wind spoke. If you followed a toad or a raven deep into the heart of the forest, they were sure to lead you to something magical." –Jennifer McMahon

The Enchanted Playroom

A little girl and her mom... are so excited to spend time in this room! Two trees fill the walls, wrapping around every corner and angled ceiling. A slight breeze sweeps willow branches to the right, towards an oak tree in the opposite corner. A squirrel playfully peeks from behind a trunk while another nibbles at acorns. The girl's favourite, a cardinal, sits upon a light switch while she sings and dances in a beautiful princess dress. Custom designed murals at pamlostracco.com... The Future of Colour Colour Trends seminar at the Interior Design Show... a talk about colours for 2017 and how they're predicted. Science, politics, architecture, economy—pretty much anything that happens in the world, affects our lives and our relationship with colour. Trending topics about artificial life will inspire reflective and smooth materials. Adapting to constant and faster change will invite more transparency, like buildings made of glass walls. I expected to hear about only colour, then left feeling the need to experiment with new materials! Follow along with me on Instagram... Wishing you all a Happy Valentine's Day and a month full of love and friendship! The iheart is a monthly Art Letter. Read the full issue here or become a member to get it sent directly to your inbox—it's free!