My name is Patti Smith and I am a mixed media artist specializing in textiles.
I came from a family of talented seamstresses. My great grandmother was a tailor and took apart men’s suits during World War II, and revamped them into women's clothing, her sister traveled the world and I have all of her travel ephemera. My grandmother crocheted, knitted and embroidered, using colors that always were vibrant and bold! My mother was a textile sewing instructor for 20+ years. Their influence and guiding hands were so important to me and I know that is why I find art so attractive and captivating. I have passed this love and guidance on to my daughter and grandchildren. We are always involved in creative projects both indoors and out. Another common influence we share is that we are all country girls. A deep love for the land has always had an influence on me and brings life to my art. Along with this heritage comes a deep desire to help others and to always challenge myself in my artistic endeavors.
I have always been fascinated with alternative ways to express myself with art ventures both inside and outdoors. Gardening and flower arranging are also a passion of mine and being a member of many gardening and design clubs allows me to express my heritage of design and creativity. My interests in that area further led me to be a floral design competitor and I became a Nationally Accredited Flower Show Judge and Master Gardener.
Designing with textiles and fibers that are also organic materials fit with my passion for the land and outdoor spaces. The designs that inspire me have come together in a combination of a one-of-a-kind textile mixed media art. I am not surprised that organic materials have always been an integral part of my work, I’m not sure I would know how to create a piece without either their presence or influence. I knew from an early age that art was an avenue for expression that I would follow and would always be an important and wonderful part of my life.