We were lucky to catch up with Patti Dougherty recently and have shared our conversation below.
Patti , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?
I had just finished my MFA at Maryland Institute of Art and moved back to Philadelphia desperate to find a job. I was hired by the Academy of Natural Science https://ansp.org/ to design an exhibit to celebrate their 175 years of Science. It was an overwhelming task. I was hired because my thesis work had a strong connection with nature in abstractions of nests, eggs, fossils, and other natural phenomena’s. I met the Scientists interviewed them regarding their work in the field and its scientific significance. I was free to go through there archives. A vast collection in every department Ornithology, Paleontology, Ichthyology, Botany, Herpetology, Malcology, Entomology, Applied Ecology, It was an experience beyond anything I could imagine.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My two years at The Academy of Science ended. I ventured into entrepreneurship by establishing a small business specializing in crafting glass beads of and jewelry. This creative endeavor allowed me to explore my artistic inclinations in a tangible and commercial form while nurturing my passion for the medium of glass. At present, many of the subjects that inspire my artistic pursuits, both in painting and glasswork, reside beneath the pristine waters of Bonaire, a Caribbean paradise. In addition to my role as a visual artist, I have undertaken the role of a volunteer “reef surveyor” for Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire (bonaireturtles.org).
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
In 2007-2009 during the an economic downturn. My current model of going to wholesale shows in New York to market my work was not working, and finding artist reps was quite difficult. At this point I had to reinvent the way I sold my work. I live in a lovely area north of Philadelphia in a charming 1860s farmhouse with a barn for a studio. I built a show room in my home and began to develop a client base. I taught my craft of glass bead, making at numerous art centers and nonprofits in the tri-state area. Both aspects kept the glass bead business alive. The teaching students supplied the home showroom sales.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
In essence, my artistic journey is a tribute to the natural world and an impassioned call to protect the fragile ecosystems that grace our planet. Through my work, I hope to ignite a sense of wonder, appreciation, and urgency, inspiring others to join in the mission of conservation and stewardship for the wondrous world that lies beneath the waves.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.inliquid.org/artist/dougherty-patti-painting
- Instagram: patti.glass
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hollowbeads/
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/NGmz4WudHTA?si=rol1YZOX7Jzx_s0U
Image Credits
Peter Grosbeck, John Wooden, Bonaire Turtles