Monday, March 12, 2012

31/31: Patricia Larsen


31 artists...31 days. Spend every day of March with me at The Altered Page to meet the 31 spotlight artists in my book The Pulse of Mixed Media: Secrets and Passions of 100 Artists Revealed. See their beautiful faces, read their 'quirky' bios written in their own words, see some of their art that led me to invite them to be a part of my book, and hear my story of what they each mean to me. Then click on over to their sites and see what they have to say about The Pulse of Mixed Media.
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I drawrite. I paint.


I find. I lose.


I draw. I paint.


I glue + stick things in 2 empty spaces.


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What can I say about my friend Patricia Larsen? If you have ever read an interview I have given or a podcast that I have taped then you have heard her name. It is because of her that I am the artist I am today. In fact, it is because of her that I am an artist at all. A chance meeting with Patricia in 2000 led me on a path that I had no idea I was destined to take. 

Patricia showed me what being an artist truly is. She lives her life, 24/7/365, with creativity. There is nothing that she does that isn't effected by this. She is a rebel and an outlaw -- in the best sense of the words. She is constantly pushing herself to grow and change, both professionally and personally. She does not shy away from the challenging parts of life and in fact, has shown over and over again that there is no challenge she cannot meet. She is a true talent and a pretty cool person too.

It has been some years since I have had a chance to see Patricia. I live in NYC and she lives in Mexico. We are getting together where we first met in Vancouver, BC as part of my book tour. At that time, a dream of ours will be coming true. We have always wanted to have some sort of art exhibition together. And this May, along with her very talented daughters Janaki and Klee, we are going to be doing just that. Thanks Patricia...I owe it all to you!
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GIVEAWAY

NOW CLOSED

68 comments:

lindjoy said...

I love the way Pat pushes the edges and boundaries in such a gentle way.

Kathryn Dyche said...

Love, love, love her work. So greaet to finally meet the woman who started you on such an amazing journey. Just for info when I clicked on the link you have for her it comes up as expired.

jinxxxygirl said...

Wow the woman who gave Seth that 'spark'. :) Must go visit her. Bye!

Laura S Reading said...

You write about her with a passion and an air of gratitude. We can feel the connection and are a bit jealous of it.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

It's too bad there was no blog or web site for Patricia Larsen, especially since I had never heard of her before. Enjoyed reading that she was the impetus behind your art journey.

Missouri Bend Paper Works said...

Wow....love the elegance and simplicity of Patricia's work. She's pared everything down to the essence....and such rich surfaces. Love this work....thanks so much for the introduction and bravo to her for the influence she has on folks, including you!

Lottie Anderson, BFA said...

I have been searching for my reason why. I think Patricia is saying because you can. Thanks to you both

Storyheart said...

Thanks again for introducing me to another new artist.

Lelainia N. Lloyd said...

I'm excited that I get to meet her too! We're going to have a very good time in Vancouver!

Terrie said...

Subtle color palettes rule - then the gorgeousness is in the delicious textures. Amazing.

Unknown said...

Loved looking at her work, but it took me a while to find her website. Your links didn't take me there (only to a selection of Google images). If anyone wants the direct link: http://www.patricia-larsen.com/ Thanks for the intro to Patricia, and the chance to be in the giveaway. This has been a great March adventure!

Unknown said...

Loved looking at her work, but it took me a while to find her website. Your links didn't take me there (only to a selection of Google images). If anyone wants the direct link: http://www.patricia-larsen.com/ Thanks for the intro to Patricia, and the chance to be in the giveaway. This has been a great March adventure!

Jann Gougeon said...

One of my favorite artists. I knew you two were connected in some way. The photos of her home are amazing. I could move right in!!

Your book is wonderful Seth!! Love reading all the artists' thoughts! Wish it were bigger with more thoughts!!

Leslie Avon Miller said...

I love Patricia's approach. Now I know I will come to Vancouver. I want to meet the woman who drawrites.

Maureen said...

Some truly lovely work on Patricia's site. You honor her with your homage here.

Congratulations to you both on the forthcoming art exhibition.

Lynn Cohen said...

Thank you Patti for the link to Patricia Larsen's website.

Her art is stunning!

Seth, nice to hear the story of the two of you. Life is so interesting how a meeting of one person can change the life path of another in such a dramatic way.

donna joy said...

LOVE her art. Nice to hear the story of the person that gave you your "push" into art~

Jan said...

I am getting behind on leaving comments as I get engrossed in all the great artist's blogs...

Parabolic Muse said...

The works I see here resonate with me. It feels like she has looked into what I want to do and made it visible. I am so not on that track. It's something to aspire to. Isn't that amazing?

Jessica said...

I'm discovering so many new artists through your posts, Seth, thank you! Love her work, and she sounds like an amazing person.

Maggie Crawford said...

I am sure Pat has been an inspiration to many others, her artwork is so calming and peaceful

Karen Isaacson said...

So glad to get to see Patricia's beautiful work. I've heard your "origin story" on Ricë's podcast, but since I always listen to podcasts in the car I never remember to back into the house and look up the artists and links I hear about.

Unknown said...

works are such fresh and abandoning a place for imagination!! Healthily!!!

Jill Zaheer said...

I've heard so much about Patricia- it's great to see a whole post on her and her work! If there were any two artwork styles in contrast to one another, it would be the two of ours. That is the true inclusiveness of the artist community! So glad to have my work in the book with Patricia's.

Jo Murray said...

I'm grateful to Patricia for starting you on your journey, thus enriching all our lives as does her art. Her images have such presence.

onesmallstitch said...

love her soft colours. what bad luck! I'll still be in Japan when you visit Vancouver.

Anonymous said...

i love the story of how you and patricia met and am ecstatic to hear that you are having a show together! i remember when i first heard of her from you -- she is such an amazing talent and i lovelovelove her work! it is no wonder that you were so inspired by her when you first met all those years ago.

Unknown said...

Adore her work, how wonderful that you will be exhibiting together...so many fabulous opening up for you!

La Poeta said...

I have been in that pueblo where Patricia Larsen lives. Peaceful place.
(Glad to be in the giveaway.)

Anonymous said...

i hope you know that you are sending me out on another adventure...i must go now and see what else i can find out about p.larsen.
i like what you have posted on her.

Robert said...

So now we know the inspiration behind the inspiration! It is truly amazing where the directions begun by a chance encounter can lead! Patricia's words and work seem very elemental, in the best sense: not as in "basic," but as in "grounded," and getting at the "true nature of things." How fitting that you were led to the creative path you are now traveling, by such an old soul. The art exhibition with Patricia and her daughters, in May, sounds like the celebration of a combined destiny!

layers said...

I was not familiar with Patricia Larsen until today... her work is very unique and interesting.

Denise said...

Wow! gorgeous work! Love her color palette of mostly pale and neutrals! She is an inspiration! ~Denise

Carol said...

Oh yeah! That show is going to be the bomb! Congratulations- you both are amazing!

Unknown said...

It is because of Patricia Larsen that I have the dining/art/library/work table that I do. I use my table for all of these activities. It is front and centre in my small studio space that I live in in Vancouver, B.C. I'd seen a magazine article about Patricia showing her living space and studio space and her art and sharing her and her philosophy with the world. I loved her space. Every inch was 'arty'...on a shelf in the kitchen sat sculptural pieces alongside functional pieces (i.e. teapots, etc.) and all were natural earthy tones. Textured. Sculptural. Useable. Art. In one corner of her living room stood a table which I thought was Asian but now that I study the clipping of the article it looks to be Indian. In any event, when I was at the auction a few years ago I spotted one of the Asian tables that looked to have weathered a fire and the whole top was missing. It would have been carved stone and inlayed with flora and fauna and figures busy doing something. No table top. Just the foam which would have protected the inlaid top, but the legs were there with all of them carved, etc. I remembered that table I loved in the studio clipping so I bid on it and got it for fifteen bucks and it lives with me because of Patricia Larsen. I've always thought from the moment I originally read the article about her that her daughters were fortunate to have such a muse as a mom. We all are! *smiles* Norma
P.S. I laid a cloth on top and change it up. Right now it's covered with those Indian sequin elephants pillow cushion covers. Kind of over the top. I like it.

Bill said...

Another artist who has such beautiful texture in her work! Definitely an inspiration.

Janine Whitling said...

its so inspiring to hear other artists stories. i will enjoy reading about each artist just as i enjoyed reading about Patricia. thank you

Cris Winters said...

This is an inspiring woman! I was able to link easily to her website (maybe the link was repaired last night) and I loved reading about her and seeing her influences. Her art is very pared down, wabi sabi, zen. And her face shows a strong confident interior.

Julie Shackson said...

I can see the influence! Lovely textural quality to her work.

Annie said...

Wonderful work, I look forward to going and exploring more about this lovely lady.
xoxo

Lynda said...

How could I have overlooked this artist? Checking her out now!

Kate Burroughs said...

Interesting artwork. TFS her story.
Aloha, Kate

Suzanne Bouchard said...

It is very interesting to know who inspired you to get into art. Many of us don't know that. I find patricia's work very bold and strong. Thanks for sharing.

mairedodd said...

her work is incredible - and i love even the way she presents it... will have to read more... it is so wonderful when you begin to find your tribe...

rivergardenstudio said...

Seth, thank you for sharing this post with us about this woman who means so much to you. I can see how you loved her work , many years ago, and how she has influenced you. To me, her pieces are still and strong and meaningful all at the same time.
roxanne

Patricia wolf said...

Beautiful work! Wish she had a web site!

robin said...

So looking forward to May and the joint exhibition.
Very exciting indeed.

ArtPropelled said...

I've been hovering around Patricia's website for a few years (though the link has changed). Love her work and the images of her home. So glad she is in THE book!

Emma said...

Wonderful, I love her cross country series.

Anonymous said...

I love the texture of her pieces. Such simplicity and yet it's so inviting.

Judy said...

My first ever encounter with Patrica Larsen's work, as a former ceramist what she does with clay is what I aimed for and never reached. Her paintings I can lose myself in, and to live with one of her paintings would be an experience beyond compare. Thanks Seth for the introduction.

Jen Crossley said...

Patricia's work looks awesome I just want to touch it to feel the texture

Barbara I. said...

I don't believe there are any "chance" meetings just those that were meant to be. It was part of your destiny to meet Patricia so that you would be propelled into this world of art that you are so gifted at. I for one am so glad that your paths crossed resulting in all the goodness that it has brought to your life and consequently to all of ours as well! Loved this post!!

susan in seattle said...

First of all...I am so jealous of Patricia - living in Mexico and making such wonderful art. Next, thank you for introducing her.

Cynthia S. said...

Her work suggests wood grains, finger prints, feathers and much more. I'll enjoy exploring more from her on her website. Thanks!

Carol said...

Thanks Patricia, for giving Seth that spark!

Kim Goodwin said...

Patricia , wow I can't wait to learn more about you and your work. How exciting ....Seth said the nicest things about you - I'm jealous also ! Ha! You are totally awesome and your credits and talents must loved by all. Way to go girl !!!

Darlene K Campbell said...

Seth,
Blessings to mentors, huh? I'm cheering you on that you get to interact in person with Patricia again.
Darlene

Darlene K Campbell said...

Patricia,
You have the perfect mixture of tranquility and emotion that tugs at me in your paintings. Parts of me are pulled forward when I gaze at your work. That is amazing when you can make someone "FeeL" while looking at your paitings.Oh yes, and thank you for giving Seth the inspiration to take a place in the art world.What would we do without him? I know I am creating a lot more, jumping over those challenges because of artists like you and Seth.
Darlene

Rebeca Trevino said...

what a kool story...i just love how you connect with OR are already connected to the artists in your book. that is terrific!

Amie said...

Wow. I love her stuff! Thanks for introducing me to an amazing artist!

Cathy said...

Wow, amazing work!!!!!

Rusted Wings said...

i can see how she sparked you....wonderful!

Patricia Larsen said...

Seth ,who sometimes feels like my imaginary friend,he is someone just to good to be true,brings me to this place which I woud like to thank you all for your kind and generous comments. To be heared
and understood by so meny wonderful artists such a gift.
This peom by CHRISTINA ROSSETTI reminds me of you Seth:
who has seen the wind
niether you or I
But when the trees
do bow their heads
the wind is passing by.

Seth you have a way of touching so meny people all at once.
o p

Wen said...

I vote for her. Kidding but there is a serenity in her work and portrait; simple bones hiding inner depths

Frances said...

Tranquility abound!

Jeannine the Dragonfly said...

Hello!
I have recently discovered Patricia Larsen ...and I love her work, her personal style, her lovely home.......her positive energy must be very strong...she is an inspiration.
I came upon your blog while looking on the net for her work. Beautiful!
Jeannine

Jeannine the Dragonfly said...

Hello!
I have recently discovered Patricia Larsen ...and I love her work, her personal style, her lovely home.......her positive energy must be very strong...she is an inspiration.
I came upon your blog while looking on the net for her work. Beautiful!
Jeannine