UpcycledHOME Magazine: How long have you been a member of “The UpcycledHOME” community group and a reader of the UpcycledHOME Magazine?
Pattie: I’ve been a member of the group for over a year now.
UpcycledHOME Magazine: Why did you join “The UpcycledHOME” community group?
Pattie: I was invited to join by my friend & fellow artist Lorraine, so I decided to join and of course, I stayed, cause well why wouldn’t I. The group is full of talented & supportive artists.
UpcycledHOME Magazine: What’s your favourite part of being a member of “The UpcycledHOME” community group?
Pattie: My favourite part of the group is the sincere support and encouragement you receive from everyone. It’s a group that really does celebrate each other’s achievements.
UpcycledHOME Magazine: What is your favourite upcycling/furniture painting technique?
Pattie: Ok, this is a good one I’m pretty partial to a true authentic old-world finish, you know with all that crackle & chippy goodness paired with some gold leafing but recently I’ve been challenging myself with the steampunk industrial style. And that has been so much fun to create.
UpcycledHOME Magazine: What do you enjoy spending your free time doing?
Pattie: I love being with my family, we create all sorts of shenanigans when we’re all together. I love relaxing with a good book. And I’m a flea market addict, I love to go junkin’ & pickin’.
UpcycledHOME Magazine: What is your current occupation?
Pattie: I am a full-time crafter, creator, upcycler and oh my goodness do I dare say it out loud, an artist. It’s all I ever wanted to do. In a previous life, I attended college for Architectural Design but I chose to work for a law firm as a legal secretary.
UpcycledHOME Magazine: What do you love most about upcycling?
Pattie: What I love most about upcycling is the endless possibilities. It’s an amazing journey. The creative process is liberating.
UpcycledHOME Magazine: How do you define success?
Pattie: For some success may be profits but for me, as an artist, we are a little vulnerable about our work, so it’s the smile, the look of joy & recognition on someone’s face when they truly see your talent & worth.
UpcycledHOME Magazine: Who inspires you?
Pattie: I find inspiration in many areas of my life and in various forms. Nature is a big inspiration for me so I would have to say our creator. Don’t want to sound preachy but it’s true. And at times my husband or son will give me the inspiration I’m looking for. They are who I bounce all my ideas off and they will challenge me more.
UpcycledHOME Magazine: If you could choose anyone as a mentor, who would you choose and why?
Pattie: This is a really tough question, I can only choose one? Oh boy, how do you choose with all the amazing talent throughout history? So many have contributed to the art industry that I honestly don’t think I could pick one. I mean we have been given the works of Monet, VanGogh & Davinci, Can I get back to you?
UpcycledHOME Magazine: What advice would you give to someone who wants to start upcycling furniture?
Pattie: My advice would be, that it’s an emotional roller coaster. It’s vulnerable and yet exciting. Your only competition is yourself. Don’t focus on the trends just be true to yourself. Be an original, not a copy. And don’t worry, your audience will find you.
UpcycledHOME Magazine: What’s one thing — either upcycling-related or not — you learned in the last month?
Pattie: You’re never too old to learn new things. And you’re never too old to go after your dreams. This has been a constant lesson for me and I was recently reminded of it again.
UpcycledHOME Magazine: What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?
Pattie: I am a huge history nerd, I love researching history & the history behind a piece I may be working on. And I love to give it a back story. I tend to romanticize the story a little bit.
UpcycledHOME Magazine: What’s the last book you read?
Pattie: Secrets to the Grave by Tami Hoag. I love a good mystery.
UpcycledHOME Magazine: What is your favourite hobby?
Pattie: If I’m not painting then I love to cook and love gardening.
UpcycledHOME Magazine: What’s the first concert you ever attended?
Pattie: Joan Jett, I am an 80’s girl. I was in 8th grade and my poor dad had to sit with 4 screaming teen girls through this concert. He was such a good sport.
UpcycledHOME Magazine: What’s the next place on your travel bucket list?
Pattie: Ireland. I made a promise to my dad.
UpcycledHOME Magazine: Are you currently binge-watching any shows?
Pattie: Yes. The Last Kingdom on Netflix
UpcycledHOME Magazine: If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pattie: Wow, that’s hard seeing as I’m Irish- Italian I love food. My husband would say anything that involves bread lol
UpcycledHOME Magazine: What’s one item you can’t live without?
Pattie: Coffee, chocolate & did I say coffee?
I can not remember the first time I actually spotted this amazing unique creative and passionate artist …but I have been following loving and even have a couple of her pieces in Quispamsis NB …
NEVER A CREATION THE SAME …EACH PIECE APPEARS TO TAKE YOU ON A JOURNEY …. THEY SORT OF TELL THEIR OWN STORY!
GENUINELY UNIQUE!