How do you find inspiration?
Patricia Schappler: Inspiration is present everywhere, in the day to day of family and friends and relationships. I am inspired by color, pattern, and proximity, moved by the human gaze, and connected to shared narratives of home, whether through fairy tale, biblical story, or myth. A figure sitting in front of me offers intimacy… a presence of light and dark, an open-ended story. Most recently I’ve been working on images of the Madonna, they’re portraits of women but they’re also portraits of what Mary symbolizes: a container for peace through great energy, a yes! It’s in the deep beauty of form, light, and gesture,that a narrative is shared, an echoing ofjoy and sorrow.
What is the best thing about being an artist?
Patricia Schappler: I started out with many interests…sociology, psychology, human development, literature, all before shifting my focus to painting and drawing. Making portraits and figure narratives brings my loves together! There’s this leap of faith that what you see and feel inside can be made into physical form. You can climb a ladder or sit on the floor, or stand at an easel, and your arms and hands are all over this thing you’re making, your mind and heart building this idea you find significant into being…never mind some of the frustrations along the way, it’s a metaphor for living and it’s a bit miraculous!
To see more of Patricia’s work, visit:
Website
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