Thursday Artist Talk: Kathleen Tonnesen, "Seeing Beyond the Light"

Self-taught painter Kathleen Tonnesen will share her journey of gaining a new way of seeing the world after losing sight. Tonnesen practices Yoshinkan Aikido martial arts as part of her rehabilitation process. Anecdotally, she maintains that this has rewired her brain so that she is able to paint and draw again, albeit differently from her previous works.

In this illustrated talk, Tonnesen will present completed paintings that show the drawing skills that she regained due to her diligent daily practice of martial arts.

About the artist

Kathleen Tonnesen is a self-taught painter, sculptor, author, poet, and inventor living in Vancouver. Born in Cape Town, South Africa, Tonnesen immigrated to Canada in 1998. She has carved out a professional career as a working artist since 1990, dedicated to enhancing public spaces with thought-provoking art. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Thompson Rivers University and a Shodan (first degree black belt) in Yoshinkan Aikido. Tonnesen has trained with leading Aikido teachers in BC. With a background in Early Childhood Education, psychology, and acting, she strives to connect families and communities together through the language of art and martial arts.

About Surrey Art Gallery Association

Surrey Art Gallery Association (SAGA) is a non-profit society that offers its members the opportunity to participate in and respond to contemporary art and be part of a community that actively supports Surrey Art Gallery.