Theodora Harasymiw

I am a Visual Artist and Art Educator working in Edmonton, Canada. In addition to working in my studio I have been working as an Artist in Residence since 1997. For the last 10 years I've been working mainly in the medium of mosaic but painting is the medium I was originally trained in. Having the two mediums to work between has been wonderful because they're so vastly different and offer different perspectives on how to create. Contact: [email protected]

[theodoraharasymiw]

Loving the strawberries!🍓🍓 #mccauleyneighbourhood #studiotheo #mosaicartist #yegartist #yegart https://www.instagram.com/p/Cr1YBgjP_MaBIbT7XCYxujnv5oPhY--FIXbfuo0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[theodoraharasymiw]

And the next project has begun! Little Italy will be getting a new mosaic in the next few months. It will be acknowledging the incredible community and the unbelievable diversity of the McCauley neighborhood. So thrilled to have been asked to do this. Happy May 1st Everyone!!🌿#studiotheo #yegartist #diversity #mccauleyedmonton #littleitalyyeg #mosaic https://www.instagram.com/p/CrtZiSLJVpacL-BSvQHti5fzahMTMJFMRbQxf80/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[theodoraharasymiw]

Thursday Musings… Recently I’ve been reading up on the life of Antoni Gaudi, curious to learn about his architectural style and use of mosaic. He’s the one who designed those magically quirky buildings in Barcelona and other parts of Spain. They’re amazing and if you ever find yourself lounging on say, his longest public bench in the world, you can’t help feeling a little Alice in Wonderland-y. What could possibly have ignited this man’s creative development? I was not surprised to learn he was a sickly child and spent most of his early years at home and alone. This seems to be a running thread amongst a number of well known Creatives like Frida Kahlo, T.S Eliot, and Stephen Hawking, to name a few. Their time was often filled with reading, writing, painting, drawing, and/or simply observing the world around them. Their condition forced them to develop in areas that possibly may not have developed had they not been ill. This often has me wondering whether or not we will ever have these kinds of Creators and thinkers again due to the abundance of technological devices. Our need to distract and fill empty time with whatever is at arms reach is evident everywhere. Just this morning I observed a young woman trying to walk her dog and stare at her phone held up in front of her face. 😞 In my experience, when we are so quick to reach for distractions, dreading even the idea of boredom, we rob ourselves of what might emerge in that empty space. Does boredom even have a chance anymore? I remember when my children were younger and we would go on road trips, one would whine, “I’m boooored!” I would look at them in the rear view mirror and smile. I had done my job, now it was up to them to decide how they would engage with this gift. Often new games were invented, songs, stories, or eye-spy ensued. Connection with the world around them was the result. I believe as parents we are are to be the guardians and protectors of empty space for children. Boredom is where the cool shit happens! This is the space where connection with the world around them happens. What would have happened if Gaudí was simply handed a tablet to distract him as a child? #thoughtsandmusings https://www.instagram.com/p/Cri2X9hLAkm6kayA2o99gMbWBaAMvOnb5Z-zcM0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[theodoraharasymiw]

Inspired by the Motanka workshop I took a couple weeks ago. The ancient amulet used in Ukrainian culture is perfect for translating from textile into mosaic. A fun distraction yesterday. I see many more of these coming. If you have dishes or porcelain items from a grandparent and don’t know what to do with them…can I suggest this as a beautiful way to repurpose something you may never use:) #motanka #mosaictranslation #studiotheo #yegartist #funontheside https://www.instagram.com/p/CqYHlKIL5V3NQGc_4epTZrI91Zd6iRMiKSX0sY0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[theodoraharasymiw]

I was asked many times on Friday, “Are you happy with your show?” I found this a funny question to ponder as I realized this show has very little to do with me, in my opinion. It didn’t really matter what I thought. It was much more about so many other things but I, the artist, am just one of the pieces in the mosaic. This production is about a process, an experience, design, energy & flow. My attendance at the show was mainly fuelled by curiosity. How would the viewer become part of the process and experience. Unfortunately, on the night of the opening I had little time to observe but I did catch a glimpse of some of it. I had people tell me they watched and followed my posts as Vincent and I walked through Portugal and Spain. Some expressed that they felt part of the Walk and looked forward to the daily updates. Then, coming to the show, they could spot parts of the mosaic that they connected to as pictures originally and the excitement of making those connections. So, if you have seen the show and experienced some excitement, wonder or had some curiosity ignited, then yes, I am so very happy with the show. And thank you for taking the time to check it out.🙏🏼 The show is up @acuarts until April 1st. #processofanartist #mosaicmusings #studiotheo #caminoportugues #yegartist https://www.instagram.com/p/CpczotBrwkLjDRn9jAVNTUYXrd1Vb3ukS9-R140/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[theodoraharasymiw]

Feeling grateful and supported. I was overwhelmed by all the people who took the time to show up at my opening last night. I so enjoyed the questions and curiosity about my process of creating and what it is like to walk the Camino. I hope this might inspire others to entertain the idea of taking the Walk. Thank you to @une_fille_du_roi @catherinevy and @terriyellis for sending photos from the night🙏🏼 The show is up until April 1st @acuarts and if you would like me to meet you there to give you a tour I’ll try my best to accommodate. DM to arrange. #yegartist #studiotheo #caminoportugues #mosaicart https://www.instagram.com/p/CpXsrvDLJQ4yVy7M5r1WHlrR01qW9xna-sgxHE0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[theodoraharasymiw]

I stand at the end again. I feel pride for what I’ve accomplished. No certificate this time but I do have a group of work that embodies a process for me. A way to walk through each day and remember. I believe this is the first time I become an Alchemist. This is my gold. Show opens March 3rd @acuarts and runs until April 1. #caminoportugues #studiotheo #transformation #alchemyofsouls https://www.instagram.com/p/Co2S9ysL-UwAZU_kpR9OBhKRd7hSSOXNaBt55I0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[theodoraharasymiw]

All most there! I was eager to complete day 13 first as the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is the most prominent on this panel. Only day 11&12 to go. The opening for my show, Camino de Compostela A Pilgrimage in Mosaic, has been set for March 3 and will run until the end of the month. More info coming soon. Thank you to all who have watched this part of the journey and given amazing feedback.🙏🏼 #studiotheo #caminoportugues #yegartist #mosaicart #pilgrimage https://www.instagram.com/p/CodKuH7SKtM4EAslSvtUBs198dfyN_JLwbwXrM0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[theodoraharasymiw]

First 8 days of the Camino are complete. Sigh….my heart is full and my hands are sore. Moving on to the last 5 days. #caminoportugues #translatinganexperienceintomosaic #studiotheo #yegartist https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn4rIdCJiY5NGYI3AgJ50hjVVxomXJ9z5l2J1c0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[theodoraharasymiw]

TheCamino mosaic continues…. Orange trees, ferns, churches, and water parks. #caminoportugues #mosaicart #studiotheo yegartist https://www.instagram.com/p/Cnzz4YgPTJ5SrP2i1SWEH_FwrJV-tMkyQNhmoc0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[theodoraharasymiw]

The Camino mosaic continues…. Callas and ground patterns along the Way. Fascinating how this is all culminating as I had no concrete idea prior to sitting down. Now that ideas are emerging the steps present themselves. That’s when you know you’re on the right track🌿#caminoportugues #thiswayto50 #studiotheo #yegartist https://www.instagram.com/p/CnkUHRdv7Dhf4-DrhzTa7auRzqQnVnHNm6B6Z00/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[theodoraharasymiw]

First panel complete! Four more to go. This portion of my exhibit,This Way to 50, will represent the Camino pilgrimage with my son, Vincent. I’m experiencing a freeness in this creative style that I felt while walking. Quite magical actually. I’m also listening to radio stations from along the same path in Portugal as I create. It is a complete immersion. Sigh…. #caminoportugués #yegartist #mosaicexperience #freeflow #dancingwithtile https://www.instagram.com/p/CnfB16vvZHLPlP7lkMyTvzAEefIonM-Ff-hTi00/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[theodoraharasymiw]

Alrighty! I’ve made it to day two and the bridge😳 Day 2 and 3 should be a breeze and no blisters yet!! As you can see I’m moving at a snail’s pace🐌 Just the Way like it. #caminoportugues #caminoinmosaic #takinglifeslow #studiotheo #yegartist https://www.instagram.com/p/CnU4iFhP3hKpkWWSaR2Ri8LbImBcGhCJPmhh080/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[theodoraharasymiw]

And so I begin the Walk again! This time I will be recreating parts of the Camino literally and metaphorically. Eeeek, I’m so excited! Trying not to plan out too much and letting parts to arise spontaneously. Talk about needing to have Trust. Buen Camino!! #artrecreatinglife #taketwo #caminoportugues #yegartist #studiotheo #portoinmosaic https://www.instagram.com/p/CnFhgCdP0lStPMYcSDMa_3OB-7SptSbRqsfUNs0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[theodoraharasymiw]

This morning I have reorganized all my materials to get ready to begin my next project. By touching and moving all my materials I have filed everything in my head as to texture, pattern, opacity, and the feeling it evokes. Now I’m ready to begin the dance of placing the right materials together so they express the feelings I’m hoping to capture. I’m so excited for this next series as these panels will enlarge my experience of walking the Camino with my son, Vincent. This will be one half of my exhibit in March, “This Way to 50”. #artistsfilingcabinet #cleansingthepallet #yegartist #studiotheo https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm9oxkuvDJUHZedv5fQKRvN_GJHC9T8I7tcME40/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[theodoraharasymiw]

Silently working away to complete the fourth portrait in the Ukrainian poet series. Quite happy with how Lina Kostenko had revealed herself. Next in line is Olha Kobylianska #linakostenko #ukrainianpoets #mosaicportraits #yegartist https://www.instagram.com/p/CmzViCwPAV67Ta6teyLsh8QKOxHksZ_oKLXjKU0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[theodoraharasymiw]

Ukrainian poet #4- Lina Kostenko. Finding my rhythm with the hair and enjoying it immensely! This series has pushed me to focus on detail far more than I have in the past. So glad another poet got added to the series❤️#linakostenko #ukrainianpoet #yegartist #studiotheo #mosaicportraits https://www.instagram.com/p/CmHz5ZJv9nt7lm6mfpbiSU3D4OVuovqCNQGrHk0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=