Featured Artist Patricia Raible

Artist Patricia Raible presents a distinctive portfolio of abstract mixed media works using complex layers and textures. See more of her art by visiting her website.

 

 

It wasn’t until midlife that I found myself enveloped by a passion for art. Perhaps it was the timing, but the catalyst was likely a museum retrospective of Romare Bearden, an artist whose work ignited my sense of a spiritual place. I followed his lead, collaging with paper, glue, and paint. And because it was in my personal vocabulary, I added sewing as line art.

 

 

Eventually, however, my exploration of textures and layers led me to more structured artwork. I began what I term building paintings on deep wood panels.

 

 

Using gesso or gypsum as substrate and found objects and hardware store paraphernalia, I developed deep, organic textures by pressing in objects or sanding surfaces down before painting. It seemed a natural process for me to construct my abstract images layer by layer, overlapping visual and tactile textures.

 

 

While my process and artwork have evolved, my work remains focused on searching and discovery. I look at an idea or concept with more information, from a different perspective, or with another, even changed viewpoint.

 

 

Always evident in my work are the textures and mark-making as I construct layers in a planned, unplanned process. Sometimes, there is only a small idea or direction with intuition pushing me forward. But no matter what form my art takes—painting, print, or artist book— I am always searching for balance between simplicity and complexity and/or idea and expression.

 

 

It is these contrasting concepts between thoughts and visual interpretations that are the basis of a successful piece of work for me.

 

 

I have been fortunate. I have had wonderful teachers and learned from amazing artists. My artwork has been exhibited nationally in a number of galleries and corporate institutions, and it is also held in numerous personal collections. At this time, my goal is to keep learning and to keep making art.

 

 

My most recent honor was being awarded a Creative Renewal Fellowship by the Arts and Science Council, Charlotte, North Carolina. This grant is currently enabling me to enhance my skills in printmaking and artist books. Those are skills that will allow me to continue my artistic practice into the next decade.

 

Patricia Raible invites you to follow her on Facebook and Instagram. 

 

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