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PATTI CURTIS
Patti Curtis was born in Southern California and moved to the Seattle area at age 13. Always a creative and explorer, Curtis received A’s in wood shop and C’s in home-ec. 3D design is her passion. Curtis’ career led her down the creative path of product development. She created products for Starbucks and for large beauty companies. Traveling the world for innovation and inspiration. Her products and artwork have been seen in over 75 countries, won national awards, and were recognized by Oprah Winfrey as one of her Favorite Things. 5 years ago Curtis left the corporate grind Aged out” and founded Fogue Studios and Galleries, an artist collective of Artists Over age 50, supporting and inspiring older artists in a collaborative and supportive environment. Recently, she sold the gallery moved to Vashon Island where she lives with her long time partner, Bill, and Is focusing on her art full time. Ms. Curtis is an alumnus of the esteemed Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle where she majored in fine art.
Skulls are my medium and my muse. Our bones are the core of all of us, they are both fragile and strong. The skull is the base of our face-It doesn’t speak masculine or feminine, it has no race, is not homely or beautiful, there is no moral or prejudice based on appearance. It represents our true self. Incorporating my vast knowledge of product design, color, metal finishes and product packaging, I combine these skills with my obsession of skull forms. I creat contemporary art pieces that are both intriguing and thoughtful. I am greatly influenced by the artistic genius of female artists such as, Frida Kahlo, Georgia O’Keefe and Méret Oppenheim. Their innovation is surrealism and Dadaism are at the core of my aesthetic. I seek to encourage the viewer to look closer, to realize not all is what it seems, to see that true beauty is in the bones and lies within all of us. The rest is all just smoke and mirrors.
I explore the Pacific Northwest searching for beautiful skulls and vintage picture frames, the older the better, with all their flaws and imperfections. Attempting to give these once beautiful animals and antiques new life. There is a harmony that drives the adornment direction, such as the jewels, copper, silver, and gold leaf. The piece tells me the direction. Ensuring that the clash is right, the masculine and feminine elements are balanced. There is a synergy to all of these elements that drives the art. At the same time entertaining the viewer with non local materials such as wood, roofing shingles, found objects and metal leafing, creating illusions with intrigue, whimsy, and wonder.