Interview with Patti Walsh
Please tell us something about your background and your art journey so far.
While I’ve always been a creative and sorta offbeat kind of person, I had basically trashed the idea of actually thinking of myself as an artist because of some negative experiences in my youth. I took oil painting classes when I was 10 and really did some nice work, but my parents pulled me out because they thought it was a waste of time. I took art classes at the catholic high school I attended, and received some awful and negative, nonproductive criticism from an art teacher who I suspected was somewhat jealous of my creativity. So I lacked encouragement to pursue art - although I’d start and stop painting occasionally throughout my life. Well my late 50s arrived, I totally changed careers after going back to school, I landed in the nonprofit world and decided to shush my negative self talk and just began painting in earnest. I started with classes on small pet portraits and I enjoyed that - I still do that once in awhile- but something was tugging at me to go abstract and BIG. I converted the little “piano room” in my 1908 house into an art studio, bought 24”x24” canvases and tons of bright colors of acrylics, sponges, brushes and palette knives and I just went to town.
Having virtually no idea of what I was doing might have been an advantage because I didn’t put any pressure on myself about outcomes- I just wanted to express myself. I was working at a civil rights organization that advocated for Muslims in Minnesota and it was just about the time when the “Muslim Ban” here in the US went into effect. I was absolutely furious and outraged about the situation. We protested in the streets and while we felt like we were voicing our anger, it didn’t really make a difference and that was so frustrating. So I’d come home to paint and evidently my rage showed up in my art! I managed to wrangle some exhibits with a local gallery and it was very interesting to hear how people interpreted my work. I’d walk around not telling anyone I was the artist and spy on audience members- sort of sneaky, I know, but I got a lot of good information from these reconnaissance missions…. “Oh she must’ve been angry when she did THIS one.”
Describe what a normal day looks like as an artist.
I don’t know if any of my days are “normal” hahaha. I now work full time at a nonprofit as the director of communications and fund development for an organization that assists African immigrants to start their own businesses and purchase their first homes. It’s rewarding and challenging work! When I’m not too tuckered out at night I get my ragged painting clothes on- or sometimes wear my nice clothes, swearing that I’ll be careful and not get paint on myself…. Then it’s just pulling out a gessoed canvas or watercolor paper, select five colors that might go well together, and, with no plan in mind, let whatever inspiration which resides somewhere in my right brain come out and present itself. Very rarely do I plot out a course of action or worry about an outcome. Of course I’d like the work to be good and for people to like it, but I just need to trust that my creativity will be in charge and my logic mind just needs to shut up for awhile.
Can you tell us more about the theme in your art and your inspiration?
My inspiration, I’d have to say, is very much about emotions and the gestures made on the surface reflect what is going on inside me.
How does your art life impact other parts of your life?
I have reached the point in my life where I say that I AM an artist along with my profession and art influences other areas of my life. Every one of my coworkers has a piece of my art in their offices; I’ve forced my art on them!!! I’m relatively sure that they appreciate my work- either that or they’re afraid of me….
Could you share any difficulties and hardships you had to face in life and how or if you managed/overcame them?
One huge challenge which I’ve overcome is that I’ve been sober for 33 years now. My life is infinitely better without alcohol but it’s always something that I need to be aware of and to keep myself healthy and sane.
Tell us about your best experience in the art world so far.
I get such a kick out of posting my work in social media and getting positive feedback- a lot of artists might say that doesn’t matter to them but I really appreciate it and it spurs me on to keep creating. I’ve also sold some work to people who love my work and while I’m not in this to make a bunch of money, it’s rewarding to have people want my work in their homes.
Share your worst experience in the art world.
I sent a painting as a gift to a friend of mine in California and he sent it back, saying it didn’t “sing” to him. He’s a music critic so I maybe should’ve expected this, but I felt rather insulted. But as I’m writing this, I’m realizing that if this is the worst thing that’s happened then it’s not so bad!
What practical advice can you give to fellow artists?
Don’t give up! It’s advice for anyone doing anything really!
Is the artist life lonely? Please share your thoughts and experiences.
It can be sometimes. I’ve just joined the newly formed Minnesota Artists Guild and one of the purposes of this organization is to provide a platform for artists of all sorts to meet up, network and share ideas and resources, and even commiserate at times about being artists and the challenges. I’m very excited about this group!
What are you working on at the moment and are there any upcoming events you would like to talk about?
I’ve been working a lot lately with textures in my work and have been having mixed results- I do like trying new things in my painting without straying too far from my style. I have my work hanging in a local wig salon right now- hey don’t laugh- a lady came in while we were hanging my paintings and she wants to buy 3 of them! The owner of the salon is an amazing person- he provides free wigs to cancer and alopecia patients. Just awesome!
Website: www.pattiwalsh66.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pattiwalsh_67art/