We recently connected with Patricia Cooke and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Patricia, thanks for joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

I think what my parents “did right” that has positively impacted my life and career was give me the freedom to choose my path. When I was an undergraduate student at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, I knew pretty quickly I wanted to be a Studio Arts major, and they fully supported my decision. I remember having peers whose parents questioned their choice to be an art major or tried to persuade them into more inherently lucrative majors, but my parents always recognized my natural talents as well as my natural work ethic, and trusted me to forge my own way.

They always encouraged my creative exploration when I was growing up. And today, I think they are my biggest fans (definitely biggest collectors– thanks for storing so much of my work!).

Patricia, 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?

I am primarily a sculptor working in mixed media and fibers. My background and skills lie in the survey of sculpture– wood working, metal working, casting, etc. and I use these tools and materials in my work when necessary, but fabric always seems to creep in to be the main character. I work in large scale installation and intimate compositional sculptures that dwell on the wall. I love experimenting with found objects, mixed media, and industrially produced craft objects (like sequins and beads). I have also started incorporating digital processes like laser cutting and CNC routing into my work to marry technology with traditional hand work. I have a background in painting and do commissioned pieces when requested.

I am also a Lecturer of Sculpture at the University of Miami, teaching a variety of courses in sculpture and 3D foundations to undergraduate students. I truly believe that my students teach me more than I could ever teach them, and view my work in the classroom as a creative process equal to my studio work. I love watching my students develop their practices to find their voices using sculpture as the catalyst.

My main goal with anything I do is to do it in love and spread joy through making.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Support living artists. If anyone is interested in starting an art collection, finding emerging artists in Instagram or through local galleries is a great place to start. Start with small pieces within your budget and get a sense for what you really like– you’ll just know. Art from a living, breathing artist will energize a living space a million times more than something purchased at Target labeled “art”. Also, acknowledge that art is work, not just a hobby.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, it’s the process. I tell my students all the time that my favorite part of being a teacher is watching them develop their process, because it’s my favorite part of making art. With every project it’s like you’re an inventor. I want to achieve X, so how do I move through A, B, C, and D to get there? It’s an extremely rewarding and meditative experience, and I love getting lost there. At the end, sometimes I achieve greatness and sometimes it’s a total flop, but the lessons I learn along the way are amazing.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.patriciacooke.com
• Instagram: @misstressh
• Facebook: Patricia L. Cooke Art
• Linkedin: Patricia Cooke

Image Credits
Mariana Espindola and Amy Mendoza