Now Showing
“the wild nature of feminine power in art and fashion”
january 11 to february 22
opening reception: sunday, january 18, 1-4 pm
Artist Statement
I believe that creativity makes life interesting. My head has always been full of ideas for paintings, clothing and more. After the death of my son in 1992, I began doodling during meetings and spare time while traveling. At first, I used pencil and watercolor pencil as a means of expression. Then I began to use watercolor, often more color than water. Recently, I have added acrylics, paint pens and liquid gold.
Over the years I have studied with Terry Genesen Becker at Minnetonka Art Center; Michael Monforte in Sicily, Renzo Bussini in Tuscany and numerous other artists. I also attended numerous workshops through local and statewide art organizations. The works of Klimt, Chagall, Von Gogh, Marecak and others have influenced me over the years
During the Covid pandemic, I was inspired to start painting on clothing as a welcome change of pace. Gently used denim items became my new canvas and an interesting challenge. After receiving gifts of fabric from friends, I renewed my interest in sewing and designing that began at age 11.
The Jazz Collection
Jazz became a part of Patrice’s life while spending time with Documentary Photographer Walter Griffin. Learning the history of Jazz, seeing his photographs of iconic jazz musicians and attending performances in the Twin Cities and Chicago inspired Patrice to create The Jazz Collection. The swirls of musical energy in the silhouettes were done using Walter’s photos as reference.
The shimmering gold backgrounds were inspired by Klimt paintings. Two shades of gold acrylic dotted with liquid gold were used to create the shimmer.
The Jazz Collection inspired a line of hand painted clothing. The wearable art is hand painted reclaimed garments. Some of the pieces have been enhanced with creative design to add functionality and interest.
Featured musicians in these works: Donald Washington, Kevin Washington, Jeff Bailey, Davina Sowers, Kavyesh Kaviraj
Avian Collection
Patrice’s sister Teresa loved crows. She would lean out of an upstairs window holding a Cheeto to lure a crow to her. As the Crow Flies is loss therapy after Teresa’s death in 2019.
In addition to using acrylics, paint pens, and watercolor, Patrice uses dotted liquid gold to express Teresa’s essence in these paintings. “It brings me joy to imagine Teresa’s ashes and cosmic energy nourishing crows and fish.”
Most of the crow inspired clothing are reclaimed hand painted denim. Some of the pieces are enhanced with creative design elements to make them more functional and to add interest. The crow dress is an original hand painted design featuring the juxtaposition of cotton and organza and bold
Fashion
Overtime, Patrice started to translate some of her paintings, beliefs and ideas onto and into clothing. She loves the idea of using recycled clothing for painting or redesigning. Then, as she was finding fabric and receiving fabric as gifts, she was led to create new pieces. The design of the fabric itself inspires her to create unique clothing with interesting details using thread, buttons, beads, paint, pockets and more. Enjoy a design she has created or she can customize something just for you.
“Illustrated Photography”
Alan Shefland
January 11 to February 22
Opening reception: Sunday, January 18, 1-4 PM
Alan began his artist’s journey at a young age, shooting and developing photos of his neighborhood and residents. He remained an enthusiast.
He honed his visual skills becoming a Film Editor in Hollywood working on commercials, television, and features..
After moving to Minnesota. in 2006, he became a student of photography at the Minnetonka Center for the arts where he ultimately had several of his works displayed.
In 2013 he became a Photography and Adobe LightRoom instructor at the center.
All along he experimented with different genres that included Portraits, Abstracts, Street, Documentary, Graduations, Landscapes, H.S. Band Photography and Live Performance.
Every photo tells a story
This show is about revealing a process he has been developing that can transform existing images to appear like Illustrations, a look that is compelling, simple, yet tells their stories.
From the artist: “I chose live performances, my favorite subject, for this show because the the ‘process’ yielded a look that resonated with my soul. My photography mentor, Carl Bihel, would remind us to ‘simplify the frame and isolate the subject.’ I feel this process gets me there! Thank you, Carl!”
Enjoy the show!
Gallery hours are 1-5 pm, Tuesday through Sunday.
