Blossom Clinic has enjoyed having Pate’s artwork in our clinic. It has uplifted and transformed our space.
Her pieces are coming down on Sunday, so please let us know if you know anyone who would like to show their art in our space.
Please read on for the short interview with Pate.
People walking into the clinic have described your work as happy, light, feminine and free-spirited. What is your inspiration behind your work?
I think my biggest inspiration are things in the natural world like rocks, flowers, rain, or repetitious patterns in nature. I also love the idea of trying to see life and nature through fresh eyes and in a fantastical way and I try to make this fantasy world come alive in my paintings.
- As a mom to two children under 4 and one on the way, how to you find time to paint? (Do you need to paint? What happens to you if you don’t?)
I do need to paint. I am so much more able to be playful and present with my family and friends when I can paint. It is a certain amount of push and pull when it comes to getting to do it but it is something I will never give up on. In many ways it is a selfish pursuit especially because I cannot support my family being a painter. I also am inspired by my children and hope that they can be inspired by me as a painter.
How has your artwork changed since becoming a parent?
I really don’t know. I am sure it has become lighter in many ways. Because my work is influenced by what is directly around me what my children are interested in and how they see things is certainly a factor in my work. I am often inspired by the books we read together and have always been a big fan of the images and stories of Dr. Suess.
What do you hope people see (or feel) when they stand in front of one of your paintings?
I don’t like answering this question because my answer always sounds so overly serious and in many ways I want the viewer to see what they want. But, I guess my favorite response from a viewer would be that they can see or feel a little bit of innocence in themselves and others. Reading the Lorax or watching my daughter pretend like she is pulling out all of the characters that she loves in a book with her little hands and setting them next to her makes me want to see everything in a fantastic way every day all the time. This isn’t totally possible, but perhaps for a moment one could contemplate it.
Find Pate Gonzalez at www.valleyrowe.com