Writing the land with poetry

There’s so much going on that we can’t see. SUMMARY Lissa M. Cowan speaks with Pam Lostracco, a mural artist who has been transforming walls into mood-enhancing landscapes through her revitalizing, biophilic murals. Based in Toronto, Pam sees her art as a bridge—connecting people to the power of the natural world, especially in urban environments where nature can feel hidden. Her work, featured in Apartment Therapy, BlogTO, CBC News, and Global News, is celebrated for its ability to relieve stress, build connections to nature, and bring joy. Pam’s murals can be found in spaces throughout Toronto and beyond, from Princess Margaret Hospital and Toronto Metropolitan University, to public art projects like the Gratitude Garden Mural, Billy Bishop Airport Perspectives exhibit murals at BMO and Fire Hall #211 in her hometown Brampton. She has also created indoor works for private homes. By alchemizing the beauty of the natural world into powerful, relational art, Pam invites us all to pause, reflect, and engage with nature. WHERE TO FIND PAM pamlostracco.com Instagram LinkedIn Art Letter - subscription ARTWORK BY PAM LOSTRACCO MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE The Grand Room Mountain Mural Willow and Oak Tree Playroom Princess Margaret Hospital (Cancer Centre) Cosmos on Yonge (photo: Sharon Mendonca) Countryside Drive-by. Fire Hall #211. Government of Canada GARDENS Jardin les Quatre Vents Kew Royal Botanical Gardens ARTIST INSPIRATION Andy Goldsworthy – Land artist Claire Basler – Painter FILMS The Earthing Movie The Gardener (trailer) Painted Land SHOW NOTES 00:00 - Introduction to Pam Lostracco and her biophilic murals 01:48 - Personal roots and childhood connection to gardens 03:50 - Understanding the calming power of nature in urban spaces 06:18 - Childhood influence and family gardening traditions 08:10 - How murals impact viewers and their emotional responses 10:00 - The role of murals in children’s spaces and public environments 12:03 - Designing murals with site context; example of the Brampton fire station 14:54 - Creating illusions of motion and depth in murals 16:04 - Materials and techniques: vinyl, acrylics, digital design 17:45 - The benefits of digital design and printed murals 19:37 - The scale of mural art and the desire to work bigger 23:32 - The story behind the mountain mural and starting her business 27:45 - Serendipity and happy accidents in mural creation 31:42 - Site-specific elements and repurposing physical objects 32:28 - Art as a form of defiance and self-expression 34:46 - Artists who inspire Pam: Claire Basler and Andy Goldsworthy 37:45 - Visiting Claire Basler’s chateau and outdoor art influences 41:11 - Nature as a protector and a meditative tool 42:53 - Connecting with nature as grounding amid distractions 44:10 - Incorporating greenery into everyday life and workspaces 47:15 - Engaging with natural materials creatively outdoors 48:54 - Land art and playful interactions with nature 50:42 - Squirrel land art: a humorous, natural expression 51:11 - Closing reflections and gratitude for the conversation QUOTES FROM PAM “I’ve always been someone who’s spent a lot of time in nature and gardens and realizing that spending time in those places helps calm me down and makes me feel energized and inspired.” “So, if you can’t access nature, even looking at a plant or the colour green can [help] calm and make you feel happier, which is such a powerful change that I can make through artwork and that’s very satisfying to me.” “It’s hard to describe because it’s such a deep feeling I have when I’m there and the sun is on your face or the wind is through your hair and you become a part of nature.” Instagram Substack.com BlueSky lissamcowan.com Theme music credit: This is the Dark Bean, The Dark Bean, Free Music Archive, Creative Commons License. Get full access to Ink & Earth Chronicles at inkandearthchronicles.substack.com/subscribe