Early Life and Education
Karina Pasian was born in Valence, France in 1979. Her Armenian parents immigrated to Canada when she was young, and she grew up in Montreal, Quebec. She began writing poetry in her early teens and studied English literature and creative writing at Concordia University.
Writing and Artistic Career
Pasian's work is known for its innovative use of language and its incorporation of visual elements such as collage, photography and found text. Her poems often explore the relationship between personal and collective histories and the ways in which memory and trauma shape individual and collective identities. She is also known for her interdisciplinary collaborations with artists from various disciplines, including musicians, dancers and visual artists.
Pasian's first book of poetry, "Mother, As Though She Were A Horse," was published in 2005 and was shortlisted for the Governor General's Literary Award for Poetry. Her subsequent works include "The Onion Girl" (2009), "Earthbound" (2013) and "Bestiary" (2017). Her work has been translated into several languages and has been published in numerous anthologies and literary journals.
Awards and Recognition
Pasian has received numerous awards and recognition for her work, including the A.M. Klein Prize for Poetry (2010), the Pat Lowther Memorial Award (2013) and the Griffin Poetry Prize (2018), for her book "Bestiary." She has also been the recipient of several grants and fellowships, including the Guggenheim Fellowship (2015) and the Civitella Ranieri Fellowship (2016).
Teaching and Mentorship
In addition to her writing and artistic practice, Pasian has been involved in teaching and mentorship. She has taught creative writing at Concordia University and the University of Toronto, and has served as a mentor for several emerging writers. She has also been active in various literary organizations and initiatives, including the Writers' Union of Canada and the Montreal International Poetry Festival.
Karina Pasian's work continues to push the boundaries of contemporary poetry and interdisciplinary art, engaging readers and audiences with its unique blend of language, image and personal narrative.