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I have two pieces by Winnipeg artist Kal Barteski in my home.
One is a custom commission of the Tom Waits lyric, “If there’s love in a house it’s a palace for sure,” in her signature looping brush script.
The other is a piece many Manitobans have, and I know this because I’ve encountered it everywhere from friends’ dining rooms to real-estate listing photos. It’s a wooden block cut into the shape of Manitoba, with “Love where you live” emblazoned across it — again in that now instantly recognizable #kbscript, which is done by hand.
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That last point feels extra important to emphasize, as AI continues to cannibalize human creativity. Barteski’s script is not a font. It’s not the same every time. It feels fluid, wild and alive, combining the insouciance of graffiti with the control of a graphic artist. The paint always looks like it’s still a bit wet, like if you touched it, it would come off on your fingertips. Like ink. Like newsprint.
Kal Barteski in her studio (Mikaela MacKenzie / Free Press files)
It’s those qualities that drew me to Barteski’s art — from her script, which has since been featured everywhere from corporate campaigns for the likes of Lululemon and the Winnipeg Jets, to her gorgeous arctic scenes, which have been featured everywhere from garage doors in Wolseley to buildings in Churchill.
And now, Barteski has teamed up with the Free Press.
Her Canada Proud, Manitoba Strong — My Free Press design is featured on totes, mugs, stickers and shirts that are now on offer to new Free Press subscribers and are available at a discount for existing ones. It’s a chance for you to show your support for independent, Canadian journalism while also owning a piece of proudly Canadian art.
The new Free Press mug (Mikaela MacKenzie / Free Press files)
This collaboration — which you can read more about here — makes so much sense.
Barteski’s art creates a sense of place. She documents this province through her work. She helps us love where we live.
I think we do the same thing at the newspaper. We document this place. We are part of its DNA. We live here, we work here, many of us are from here. We might not always help you love where you live — let’s face it, it’s not always the best parts that make the news — but we allow you to see it clearly.
If you’re already a Free Press subscriber, consider forwarding this newsletter to a friend or family member who isn’t. We can’t build your Free Press every day without readers like you.
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