Barbara Hagensen

Hello! Welcome!

I am a photographer, writer , finishing carpenter, and a traveller.

I’ve been taking pictures and writing for as long as I can remember. I love the craft of the written word and the art of photography, both capture a precise moment in time. Each poem and each photo has a story to tell. Basically, I’m storyteller. I enjoy when themes appear spontaneously.

I was born in Toronto, Ontario. I’m the first born and a daughter of immigrants. At age 5, I learned English, mostly by reading. When I was 20, I migrated to Alberta. In my 30’s, I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Sociology and my trade certification.

I have been a cabinetmaker/finishing carpenter for almost 25 years. I’m a Red Seal Journeyman. I had the privilege of learning my craft apprenticing with a Master Craftsman, in residential construction. We made furniture and cabinetry, as well as, the dwellings in which these items were housed. I was a scenic carpenter for 18 of those years, directed by a Master Carpenter, in the theatre community, in Edmonton. And now, for four years, I’ve been building flight cases at a local manufacturing company.

And I spent nearly 15 years teaching basic tools and carpentry skills workshops to women at a pre-trades training centre. It was a pleasure to meet, teach, mentor, and learn from, hundreds of women.

My travels include car-camping from British Columbia through to Quebec, NS, the Yukon Territory and Haida Gwaii. As well as, trips to Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Panama, Costa Rica and Mexico. I enjoy learning about the local culture, art, food, and architecture.

My take on things is, at times unusual, as a result of my diverse experiences. I hope you find my work thought provoking and inspiring.

Enjoy! ~Barbara

All writings and images are the copyright of Barbara Hagensen. If you would like to purchase a photograph with or without the words, please get in touch. If you wish to copy anything for educational purposes please contact me, by email, for permission. Thank you for your respect. 18/02/2021