Patsy Hand

Artist's Statement

I grew up on a ranch in Eastern Oregon, which I now own along with three sisters. Working in the mountains and the valley land, I gained a great appreciation for the slant of light and the flow of nature.  My work is usually spontaneous, based on recent events, memories, and a variety of subjects that interest me. Through the use of color and line I translate stories of experience and emotion into abstract movement. I appreciate the fact that viewers see aspects in my art based on their own life experiences, often contradicting my own intentions.

I started out years ago studying sculpture, mostly figure work and representational pieces in clay and bronze. Then I studied both drawing and watercolor. Five years of the study of printmaking (etching, monotype) helped me to realize that I also enjoy a textural medium, thus my oncoming exploration of both oil and acrylic in conjunction with monotype.   

I have been a professional artist for over ten years, and have been juried in to many national art shows. I am also a working writer. I hold an MS in science and health and find that the creative world of science adds to my understanding of the abstract world.