Kelsea Chatburn is a Toronto-based watercolor artist whose work explores memory, identity, and belonging through streetscapes and still lifes. Influenced by her Korean diaspora heritage and background in sociology, she examines how everyday environments shape our sense of self and community.
She paints as a way to process her own experiences and to document the overlooked beauty in daily life. A former public policy professional and long-time Toronto resident, Chatburn brings a narrative-driven lens to her art. Her recent public installation at Toronto Western Hospital celebrates neighborhood identity through symbols of food, music, and urban life.
View new works at the Toronto Artist Project, May 8 - 11
This new watercolor series celebrates the everyday beauty of city life, drawing inspiration from the vibrant streetscapes of New York, London, and the simple joy of food moments. From bustling storefronts to quiet cafés, each piece captures a sense of place, memory, and belonging.
Come see the full collection in person at the Toronto Artist Project, May 8–11, at the Better Living Centre.
You’ll find me at Booth 239.
Public Art Installation, Toronto Western Hospital
The art installation at Toronto Western Hospital (TWH) aims to connect the hospital's long history with the diverse, vibrant community surrounding it. The artwork celebrates the cultural and historic elements of the surrounding neighborhoods, incorporating influences from Kensington/Chinatown, Dundas West, Scadding Court, and Alexandra Park. Through large-scale imagery, the artwork includes symbols of belonging, food, landmarks, urban nature, and music, with the intent to engage viewers in recognizing their own connection to the area’s shared history.
