Meet Anna Patterson | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anna Patterson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anna, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I grew up with a skill and passion for the visual arts. In grade school I loved trying everything… from paint to clay. In college I was an art major, with a concentration in printmaking. Post college I went into film production but ultimately shifted back to a more creative roll as a self taught graphic designer, just as the adobe programs were being developed. From that career I transitioned into the roll of mom for a while until my creative drive, the urge to “make things” welled up again and I started to make prints again, this time on fabric. Soon afterwards, I moved towards painting, a space that I had not spent much time in the past. It felt exciting and new. It was also something that I’d always wanted to do, but somehow skipped over while in college.. I began with a few workshops, then continued to paint consistently while still block printing on linen and creating items like zippered pouches, tea towels and aprons. The pull to paint became stronger as my skills improved. People started to buy my work and then I knew I was on to something.

I pursued a varied, but consistently artistic career because from that early age I had the desire to make things, to make beauty in the world, whether it was graphically, designing words on a page, patterns on a pillow, or paint on a canvas. This career has allowed my life to be flexible with time and full of people who also appreciate beautiful design. Ultimately, I’ve stayed on this career path because I’m doing something I truly enjoy.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My paintings of the mountain west vistas are impressions of the color and shape that I translate from the images I paint from. They become more of a “feeling” of a place, rather than an exact replica of an image. That’s something that makes my work uniquely it’s own. What excites me most about what I do right now is when people resonate with my work. Art is funny in that way. Each person feels something (or not) when they look at a piece of art. And when they connect to it, it’s a really special thing. I love that aspect of what I do… creating feeling and connection.

It was not hard to get to the point where I am today, just long. It’s a journey, like all of life’s endeavors. One thing leads to the next and that’s very much how my path went, with the thread being creativity and the desire to do more. One of the trickiest parts in art-making and producing such subjective things is confidence. Simply to call oneself an “artist” takes a bit of courage. Even though we all have it in us… it takes some amount of grit to attach your name to that label… especially so, if you are self taught.

The items that I offer today are so unique to my own story, my background, my passions. From hand block-print designed scarves which take from my Scandinavian heritage as well as my college concentration in print-making. Without these influences, these scarves would never have come to be. My paintings, which are inspired by the views that I look out at each day here in Montana, may not be what they are without that incredible amount of visual stimulation. The brand I’ve created is an authentic story of me, as a creative soul, moving through life and bringing what I feel is beautiful and engaging to the surface.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Here in Bozeman, MT there is a lot to see for such a small place. I would for sure spend at least one day in Yellowstone National Park with a stop at a hot spring along the way. One day would be spent downtown, walking Main Street. Stopping in at all of the unique shops and having lunch. Livingston or Ennis, neighboring towns, are also worth the visit for their “Western” Montana vibe.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Sarah Rafferty of Atwaterdesign has been a mentor for 3 years. I have been a part of her Mastermind group which has provided the support that feels necessary to thrive while building a small business. Being an artist or entrepreneur can be a lonely affair. Having mentors and peers to help grapple with the every-day as well as the bigger scarier things, feels so necessary.

As an artist myself, some of the aspects of running a business do not come naturally. Marketing and graphic design, I have experience with and enjoy… but there are so many other details, all of the hats a small business owner must wear can get overwhelming! Sarah and the Mastermind have been an integral part of my growth and success.

Website: Www.atpattersondesign.com

Instagram: @atpattersondesign

Image Credits
Chris Patterson