Art Medium: Textiles.
How do you describe your art? I work primarily with fabric making art with the basic materials of fabric, thread, a sewing machine and often paint, either acrylic or watercolor. My work usually has strong color and is somewhat abstract with a hint of realism.
My appreciation of nature inspires my work for the most part, which I hope inspires others to take care of the earth, the place we call home, which is one of my predominant concerns. My art is often an attempt to preserve memories, so often I start with one of my own photos.
Have you always been interested in following a creative path? Most definitely! I have always been a maker. As a preschooler, my favorite TV show was Captain Kangaroo and the best part for me was when the Captain took out his shoebox where he kept his art supplies: scissors, construction paper, glue and whatever else. In kindergarten, I made a “memorable” portrait of George Washington with fat yellow yarn for hair, a very proud moment. From there I moved on to sewing, and much later rosemaling, watercolors and acrylic painting.
What does your day-to-day life look like? These days I take my morning coffee to my studio, check social media and prioritize things that need to get done. Teaching, lecturing, writing articles and entering shows take up a lot of time and tend to take priority over the artistic work. In the last two years I’ve had some exciting presentations. I was asked to be a guest online for TheQuiltShow.com and did an online course for TextileArtist.org. This fall and next spring I will be a guest on Quilting Arts – TV. I have good intentions to work in my studio but in actuality it doesn’t happen as often as I’d like. But if I’m not physically making art I am contemplating, planning and determining my next project. I definitely have more ideas than I will ever accomplish in a lifetime.
Where do you get your creative inspiration? I do quite a bit of nature photography to use as inspiration. When I am not using my photos for inspiration I will sometimes begin with the fabric as a starting point. In those instances, the work is more abstract and very freeing. When I’m away from home for a few days I take a sketchbook and try to get in some watercolor painting.
Why do you love what you do? I have always been a maker, trying out all different media. I think curiosity is a driving force, trying to figure out how I can make something inspired by what I see and love. We are all creative but have different interests, whether it’s cooking, music, gardening, decorating, restoration projects or whatever your interests are. My parents both grew up on farms and farmers are problem solvers, always making do, fixing what they have, independent problem solvers. I believe part of the fun of art and creating is the problem-solving aspect. What can I do with this? How can I recreate this in fabric? How can I simplify this and still get my message across? These are things I think about, and it is all problem solving. I am learning all the time.
One thing most people don’t know about being an artist, in your opinion: Most artists have a need to make art. People tend to think you are born with artistic ability, but this is more often than not untrue. Just like anything else you need to do the work and practice, practice, practice. Playing the piano takes practice, so does art. Many people think if they can’t draw, they cannot be artistic, which is totally false. There are so many avenues to being an artist, but the biggest skill you need is to be persistent and have a thick skin. Everyone will not love your work because everyone has different tastes. If you love it, nothing else matters. Some people will love it as much or more than you do.
Early bird or night owl? Definitely an early bird. I am so much more productive in the
morning. My steam pretty much dies out by dinner time.
What was the last movie you watched? “Are you there God? It’s me Margaret.” It was very good!
Glass half empty or half full? I am definitely an optimist. I am extremely grateful that I can pursue my art in whatever direction it takes me and have a husband who is so supportive. I have been given many opportunities in my life and artwork.
What makes you happiest? Spending time in nature and having the opportunity to make art.
Find Pat at www.patbishop.info, on Instagram @baumbishop and on Facebook under Pat Baum Bishop.
