Every now and again when it comes to my artist life I wander off course...

Every now and again when it comes to my artist life I wander off course (ok maybe “I wander off course often”) and need to look at a map to find myself again. I am at that point right now - looking over my metaphorical map of where I have been as an artist, where I want to go and where I actually am. Right now I seem to be in a swamp, but fear not, I am finding my way back to my path. You see I veered off my course when I put too much of myself in a project that was spending all my money and sucking my creative well dry. All my energy and resources were being used to keep the project alive. The big problem was - it was not my dream - I was settling for something I really didn’t want - I was good at it - just not passionate about it. Now that I have pointed my self back to my true north I am making sure I have all the supplies I need to continue my journey and keep my compass pointed North. The supplies I’m referring to are things like an inspiring creative space, a website, goals, an artistic direction I am passionate about, a way to keep in touch with people who care about what the hell I’m doing, etc. 

The first order of business is my inspirational creative space. I live in Colorado and Ohio - bouncing back and forth. In both states I live outside of major cities, Denver, Colorado and Cincinnati, Ohio. This is a little ironic because I love the city - big cities. For me, I know I thrive creatively when I am in a city so I have a studio space in Cincinnati, Ohio in a historic area called Over-the-Rihne. 

Historically, Over-the Rhine was the port-of-entry for immigrants, most of them German, in the 1830’s and 40’s. The Miami and Erie Canal separated the area from Cincinnati’s downtown area, in order to reach downtown people had to cross the canal bridges and they likened this to the bridges of the Rhine river in Germany, thus “Over-the Rhine”. 

Now OTR is in the midst of a creative, entrepreneurial revitalization. The historic neighborhood is full of preserved Italianate architecture that makes you sigh. Many of the store fronts are being opened up by creatives making it a hub for innovation. You can find Made in Ohio gifts, clothes and food.  Some of my favorite places in OTR are Coffee Emporium, a great place to hang out, get some pastries, joe and even lunch. I also shop at MiCA 12/V - they support local makers! If you ever get a chance Taste of Belgium Bistro is a must for their Waffle and Chicken.  My favorite Cincinnati art store, Suder’s Art Store is also in this eclectic neighborhood. It is small but somehow it has everything you need.   

What do you need to have your inspirational creative space? My city studio gives me an escape from my out of the city living arrangements. A vibrant city location is one thing I know I need for an easy path to flow. I currently have a smallish space but will moving in May to my new, larger, more creative space. It is a short move from the 5th floor to the 4th floor of The Pendleton Art Center. I will call studio 411 my new creative home.

 I hope you visit my blog over the next several weeks and see how I set up my dream inspirational creative space. I would love for you to share your inspiring creative spaces with me!

Flight or Fight

©2012 flight, pattie byron

My passion is creating Art that empowers communities and individuals. I use form, image, interactive elements and community outreach to inform and inspire with my Art. The new series is Flight or Fight.  Fight or Flight is the bodies neurological response to stress. My Artwork explores how the flight and fight response can be empowering and protective. Using animal and natural metaphors of flight (butterflies, birds, cocoons etc.) and fight (beetles, crustaceans, claws etc.), I create Art that reflects issues about self preservation, transformation, inspiration, life cycles and life choices. Along with the physical work, I infuse triggers and prompts in the work to invite viewers to engage and interact with the art works. For example, the Public Art piece, “Let your Dreams Fly”, will be reminiscent of a cocoon, a haven where one gather thoughts and be inspired. It will be constructed out of powder coated steel to withstand the elements. Hanging from the cocoon’s interior canopy will be several butterflies. The bars of metal creating the cocoon will be inscribed with “dreams” collected during before the construction. When inside the viewer will see flying butterflies that burst through the top of the cocoon sending an image of hope and inspiration. Prior to the fabrication of the piece, a public workshop will invite the community to share “dreams” that will be inscribed on the interior and help color the butterflies used in the piece. 

All About the Artist on the Loose

Artist on the Loose is about the creative life and travels of an Artist. You will find tips about being an artist and travel ideas for the art lover. Please interact with me by leaving comments and stories at the end of my blog posts, like me on FB, Twitter and Pinterest or drop me an email at pattiebyron@mac.com.

Here is a bit about me. I promote empowerment through creativity. I am a metal and multi-media sculptor. I combine my painting and sculpture background to produce relevant work that speaks about empowerment of the individual and community.  I am a native of Denver, Colorado, and currently live in Colorado and Ohio. I established Pattie Byron Studios for my work in metal and other mediums, and for the past several years I have  maintained a studio at the Pendleton Art Center - Studio 411. My industrial studio is in Fairfield, Oh. I also hold Art Workshops, Retreats and Interactive Lectures in my Pendleton studio and at outside locations.  I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in Drawing, Painting and Sculpture and a Minor in Art History. I am passionate about Art and love sharing and lifting people up through my creativity.

This is me!