How did you get started and then develop your career?
Patricia A Griffin: It was the 80s, I was in high school, and every chance I could, I took the bus into New York City to explore SOHO. The work was raw and edgy, and I was transformed. Marisol Escobar, Helen Frankenthaler, Louise Bourgeois, and Cindy Sherman showed me what success looked like, and I wanted it.
I received a BFA in drawing at Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1989, I moved to California, spent all my money on paint, and painted any available surface. Two years later, I returned to PA, joined a co-op, approached galleries, and entering juried shows. The community I lived in rarely spent more than a few hundred dollars on paintings, and it was brutally obvious; I would have to find my market somewhere else. I traveled and got gallery representation, joined associations, and consistently padded my resume.
I researched the market and started to approach larger galleries in the areas I found most inspirational and consistently upped my game with marketing. I continue to work seven days a week, 8 to 12 hours a day (if my family is otherwise occupied). I take great pleasure: in being a consultant to artists wishing to take their career to the next level, doing commission work, and trying every creative idea that pops into my head.
How do you describe success?
My success is due to the acceptance of many failures and rejections, my commitment to reaching my goals artistically by allowing my process and style to morph over time, and a razor focus on marketing.
How do you find inspiration?
The light wrapping around an object creating a halo of color.
The extensively long eyelash on a pronghorn.
The vibration of two colors touching.
The buttery texture of paint.
These simple pleasures inspire me endlessly.
What is the best thing about being an artist?
Hearing people talk about how an image engages, connects, and moves them; meandering in the wild and calling it work; meditating and opening myself to be the conduit for the imagery; playing with color; all of these make being an artist THE BEST.
Who do you collect?
If you expect someone to invest in your career, invest in someone else’s. Rembrandt (self-portrait etching), a Henry Hensche (portrait of a woman with red hair), Frank Weston Benson (etchings), Kellyann Burns, Julie Chapman, Ed Chestnovitch, Joe Garcia, Linda Guenste, Aaron Hazel, Hillarie Lambert, David Petlowany, Mary Roberson, Ron Russon, Sandy B Taylor, Silas Thompson, Carrie Wild, Diane Whitehead, Jennifer Von Benedikt. All feed my soul and grace my walls.
To see more of Patricia’s work, visit: www.griffingallery.com
