Meet Patti Murtha | Actor, Direct, Playwright, and Potter

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

Hi Patti, why did you pursue a creative career?
I deeply and dearly believe that at our core, humans are storytellers. Our lives are a collection of the tales of our experiences and art is a way for us to express and share those. My primary artform has always been theater and I do that because I can’t not do that. I’ve always felt most at home in a rehearsal room, and over the last twelve years or so I have discovered that I feel much the same way about my clay studio. My creations, whether plays or pottery, allow me to connect with other humans and that is where, in my opinion, meaningful conversation begins and that brings me true joy.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As someone who spends a lot of time acting, I often get mistaken for someone who plays pretend. The reality couldn’t be further from the that. Actors are at their best when they are gut-wrenchingly honest, and I think I’m really good at that. Personalizing the work makes it something others can connect with because as humans we recognize and are drawn to the humanity in one another. This is at the core of all I do – even when I’m directing a silly folktale I’ve adapted. I always tell my actors that we need to think of the work like a tree. We can be as big and broad as we want with our choices, but they must be equally as deep and wide. Much like a tree, the work will not hold up if it is not rooted.
Another thing I relish is getting folks to surprise themselves. Creating a safe space for artists to work in is of the utmost importance to me, and that safety allows them to do things they didn’t realize they could or would do. That is the true spark of creativity.

My snarky pottery has the same effect on people who walk into my booth at art shows and markets. They find themselves laughing at something that takes them off guard and that is a true delight to me.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Give me a place I can get lost among the trees and I am a happy woman. My out-of-town friends who can handle the altitude will always get dragged on a hike and most often to Chautauqua Park in Boulder. For the past thirteen years or so I have worked with a hiking theater company called Arts in the Open and we do our shows on that mountain, so I know those trails like the back of my hand.

Red Rocks is another favorite for what I believe are obvious reasons and while we’re out that way, we’d take a side trip to Golden and visit the Mines Museum of Earth Science at the Colorado School of Mines – which is one of the greatest free museums anywhere.

No trip would be complete without a visit to Castle Clay, the pottery co-op I belong to, so I could show them around and geek out about all things clay with them. As a bonus, I’d give them a quick lesson on the wheel, and we could laugh at how frustrating throwing can be.

As for food, I’d take them to a special dinner at Somebody People, my favorite veggie spot in Denver and to Sweet Izzy for ice cream afterward.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband, Damian, deserves all the credit in the world for supporting my artistic endeavors. In many ways, he’s responsible for pushing me back into acting years ago and is the person who suggested I first explore the local pottery studio in Denver. During the pandemic, he more than nudged me to dig deeper into clay after all the theaters were shut down, and I believe it is what kept me sane. Additionally, my theatrical mentor, Joseph Hart, taught me all the most important aspects of storytelling and often when I open my mouth as a director, I can hear his echo in the words that come out. As for pottery, my clay teacher Lynn Hull has been with me since the very beginning and has been unwavering in her support and friendship. I am immensely grateful for these three people and love them dearly.

Website: https://pattimurtha.com

Instagram: @pattimurthapottery

Other: castleclayartists.net

artsintheopen.org

Image Credits
All photos by Patti Murtha

except

Blue-lit photo of me onstage taken by Matthew Davis
Photo of Valkyrie costume (with breastplate) by Stella Starr