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, and murals at BMO and Fire Hall #211 in her hometown of 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
ARTWORK BY PAM LOSTRACCO MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE
PAM’S CHILDHOOD INSPIRATION
GARDENS
ARTIST INSPIRATION
Andy Goldsworthy – Land artist
Claire Basler – Painter
FILMS
NATURE’S PIGMENTS AS PAINTS
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 you feel calmer and 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.”
EXAMPLES OF PAM’S EPHEMERAL ART PIECES
Try creating an ephemeral art piece yourself!
Connect with nature and ignite your sense of play by crafting a temporary art piece using only what you find in a natural setting.
How to do it:
Choose your setting: visit a park, forest, or any green space. Let the environment guide you.
Gather materials: look for rocks, sticks, leaves, bark, or other loose natural items. Only use what is already detached or fallen. Don’t pull from living plants or disturb wildlife.
Notice the space around you—the wind, sunlight, shadows, or reflections. How might these elements inform your creation?
Use your hands to arrange, stack, or weave the materials into a shape, pattern, or scene. Play with balance, texture, and placement.
Your unique art piece is a gift for the next visitor (human or animal!) to discover. Photograph it if you wish, then walk away and let nature reclaim it.
Share your creation on social media with #EphemeralNatureArt to inspire others!
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Theme music credit: This is the Dark Bean, The Dark Bean, Free Music Archive, Creative Commons License.
