Patti Isaacs: A Peek into her Process.

How do artists make art?  The answer is as unique as the art and artist.  And on the Washington County Open Studios tour October 17^th and 18^th, you get a peek behind the scenes into the art making process.  Every artist is opening up their studio to you, showing you their materials, inspirations and demonstrating what they do and how they create art.

Here is a quick peek into one of our 41 artists on this year’s tour.

Patti, when you begin your work, what inspires you or gets you going?

“Inspiration comes to me in many ways. An idea or word, something I've seen or a feeling I want to express. I will sometimes wake in the middle of the night or be unable to fall asleep due to a deluge of ideas spilling out of my mind.  I also find being with other creative individuals keeps me motivated and inspired.”
 

How did you find your way to art, Patti?

“Art has been a part of my life as long as I can remember. It has taken many forms from needlework, knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, sewing and costume design and quilting to pottery, drawing and painting. Different stages of my life have drawn me to the various forms.

In high school and college I studies art and had a fabulous teacher who encouraged discipline along with individual expression. Trying any and all forms that drew each of in.

It was nearly 15 years ago that a friend invite me to join her in her studio with a few other artists that really got me back to painting and finding I had  a passion for handmade paper crafting. These are the two main mediums I currently work in. However I love to push myself to rediscover or try new mediums and techniques.”
   

Patti, do you use a weird, different material or technique and does that inspires you?

“Silk and fabric dyes are my main art form. I paint on silk with Procien dyes using a French technique called Serti. I love the excitement of seeing the dye spread across the fabric finding its way to the boarders I have set up.”

 

When people come to your studio, Patti, what will they see you doing?
 

“I will have two pieces ready to be worked. I will discuss the process and materials I use. On one piece I will demonstrate the process and the second piece will be available for my guests to experience the exhilaration and excitement of painting on silk.”

 

Patti, can you describe what is unique and inspiring about your studio set up?  

“My studio is in my home. I have a designated room upstairs that houses all my supplies. It is where I create pieces using handmade papers as well as acrylic paintings. However, the magic of silk painting is done in the kitchen on my wide counter with a huge plastic cover and vinyl flooring! I have water available and easy clean up if the day turns messy.”

See Patti make art and get inspired during the 2015 Washington County Open Studios tour October 17 and 18 from 11am to 5pm.  Get a FREE tour map and information online at www.washcoart.org

Where Do Artists Make Art In Aloha?

“My studio has a large window that beams with daylight.  My easel is set up beside the window, a small table below the window holds my palette and supplies.  A larger desk sits in the middle of the room for studio paintings, gesso canvases and boards,” says painter, Michele Bufton.

Ana Quinn, ceramic artist describes her studio, “My studio has a deck with a sliding glass door which gave me a view of my garden, however, I just purchased an upload gas kiln which now sits on a palette in front of my deck. Besides my new kiln, I have an electric potter's wheel, two utility sinks, 2 work tables, and an electric kiln in the garage to bisque my work.”

See where artists make art in your neighborhood during Washington County Open Studios Tour, October 17 and 18 from 11 am to 5 pm. Over 40 artists will be opening their studio doors for you.  And it’s FREE.

“The magic of silk painting is done in the kitchen on my wide counter with a huge plastic cover and vinyl flooring! I have water available and easy clean up if the day turns messy,” says Patti Isaacs, silk artist.

Encaustic artist, Evelyn Fritz says, “My studio is in my home and it is divided into two areas.  The main studio and my little encaustic corner, which overlooks my patio.”

Inside or outside, upstairs or down, artists find many creative ways to create.  And they’ll show how they do it and where October 17 and 18 from 11am to 5pm. Free tour map and artist information is on the Washington County Open Studios Tour website www.washcoart.org

What Inspires Artists in Aloha?

 “I get inspired to paint by looking at paintings sitting on my easel.  Passages in the paintings draw my attention and lead me into painting.  Before long, the hours have passed.  I like to leave the painting up and reflect back on it after a day of painting,” says painter, Michele Bufton.

Encaustic artist, Evelyn Fritz says, “I love to experiment so any new tool or method that helps me to create texture sets me into a creative mood.”

You’ll get to see the magic of creation and inspiration that turns ordinary materials into art for FREE.  During the Washington County Open Studios tour, 41 artists will be opening up their studios  October 17 and 18 from 11am to 5 pm right in your own neighborhood.

“Inspiration comes to me in many ways. An idea or word, something I've seen or a feeling I want to express. I will sometimes wake in the middle of the night or be unable to fall asleep due to a deluge of ideas spilling out of my mind.  I also find being with other creative individuals keeps me motivated and inspired,” says silk painter, Patti Isaacs.

Ceramic artist, Ana Quinn says, “My cats, ancient art forms, and the life cycle of the salmon as well as how colors play against each other. I make both functional and decorative work.  I just finished a dinnerware set for a niece and am working on a series of fantastic birds.”

There's so much to see!  And all for FREE!   So make your calendar for October 17 & 18^th from 11 am to 5 pm for the Washington County Open Studios tour.  For more info on artists and tour map go online at www.washcoart.org

See Art in the Making in Aloha This Weekend. Free.

“I’ll have 3 to 4 painting that I’ll be working on at the same time and each one will be started differently.  Like splatters for one, glued pattern making paper, modeling paste and stencils and so on and so forth.  It will be a surprise and fun to watch so come on by,” says Katrina Fowler, mixed media artist.

Get a free tour map at www.washcoart.org and spend Saturday and Sunday, October 18 and 19 from 11 am to 5 pm visiting art studios during Washington County Open Studios.  Forty artists will be demonstrating their techniques for you and some are right in your own Aloha neighborhood. 

 “I’ll demonstrate the whole process of silk painting from the initial drawing to painting the silk with the prepared dyes,” says Patti Isaacs, silk painter.

Ana Quinn, potter says, “When you visit my studio you may see me drawing or painting on pots.  You may also possibly see me trimming a ‘leather hard’ piece on my wheel.  Trimming refers to carving a ‘foot’ on the bottom of the pot, which also reduces the weight of the piece.”

You can see art in the making October 18 and 19 from 11 am to 5 pm in the suburbs and country during Washington County Open Studios.  Get a tour map and directions FREE at www.washcoart.org 

A Chat with Patti Isaacs, Silk Painter and Paper Artist.

In this blog series of artist chats, I’m hoping to help our artists and visitors get to know each other better.  So, let’s imagine we’re all sitting around a table with a cup coffee or tea listening to Patti share her art journey.

Patti, What got you interested in art?  Was it a class, teacher, family member or friend? 

“All of the above! I have always loved to draw, paint and anything else that is creative. The women in my life taught me to sew, quilt, crochet, embroider and knit. We had neighborhood drawing classes in the summer when I was young. I have had many inspiring teachers and friends who have been my guiding lights.”

Why do you love what you do?

“I love the excitement of taking nothing and creating something wonderful!”

 What’s your favorite part of your process?

“When I touch my brush to the white surface of the silk and I see the dye explode across the design, in that moment I know I am doing the work I am meant to do.”

What weird and different material or technique do you use?

“I use a French technique called "Serti". Which roughly translated means boundaries. My "paint" is Procien Dye.”

When people come to your studio, what will they see you doing?

“I will demonstrate the whole process of silk painting from the initial drawing to painting the silk with the prepared dyes.”

You can see more of Patti’s work and visit her studio during Washington County Open Studios tour October 18-19^th from 11am to 5pm.  And on her website at pattiisaacs.com