We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Pati Stajcar a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Pati, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of our favorite things to hear about is stories around the nicest thing someone has done for someone else – what’s the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?
As an artist, research and development is a high priority; researching your subjects and developing that knowledge into a product. The life of an artist is a lifetime of learning and experimenting with that knowledge. Early in my career I attended a stone carving symposium in Marble, CO aptly named Marble Marble. I met Gerald Balciar there and spent a glorious week learning how to carve stone. At the end I mentioned if he ever needed an apprentice I’d hope he would consider giving me a shot. Six months later I got a call on New Year’s Day offering me an apprenticeship. I hadn’t gone to sleep yet as we were shooing the last of our party guests out the door and was so excited I didn’t sleep at all. For the next two years I was immersed in his approach to all things bronze and marble. Working with Gerald and his wife Bonnie was the kind of education you can not buy.
Pati, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
A very small percentage of artist make their living from their art without another form of income such as spousal support or pension. I’m proud of the fact that for the majority of my career I have been able to do just that. I work in wood, stone, and bronze with my subject matter being design, flow and balance, using nature as my guide and inspiration. Incorporating abstract design into a sometimes representational subject sets my work apart from most traditional sculptors. I try not to complete the story visually and depend on the viewer to bring something to the table. Most pieces have an underlying message I hope they find. I’m lucky in that I create most pieces for my own pleasure, that way I’m always excited about the next piece.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
I have always believed we need art and beauty in our lives. That’s one of the reasons I’ve tried to keep my prices low. When someone loves your work so much they offer to pay you a bit a month over time to make it fit into their budget or the person who has never bought sculpture before and one of your pieces becomes their first acquisition it humbles you and fills your soul.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
Some people don’t see the value in art, thinking it’s a frivolous waste of time and money. They seem to think that being an artist is a lazy unproductive way of life and the artist can just flit around and work whenever they want. Most artists I know work more than 8-10 or more hours a day almost every day and when they aren’t in the studio their mind is sifting through the obstacles they may be encountering. Many mornings I’ve awakened to a scribble by the bed I jotted down in the middle of the night with my brain working overtime trying to solve a problem. Economically, I have seen art transform a stagnant town and make it into an art destination. Many municipalities have started having sculpture walks downtown, rejuvenating the area and bringing tourist dollars to the merchants.
Contact Info:
- Website: stajcar.com
- Facebook: patistajcar