About

Patti Kramer, artist in Casa Grande, AZ

Artist Statement
I have always been attracted to color combinations and earthy textures and have always enjoyed getting my hands dirty. I spent several years experimenting with many techniques in a variety of mediums including ceramics, weaving, and handmade paper to create large wall art. I went through a two-year phase of weaving on a 4' loom and then spent ten years using brushes and trowels to apply art in the form of faux finishes, murals, and decorative plaster onto the walls of homes and businesses.

I now create wall art full time from my studio near downtown Casa Grande, AZ. I currently have a Lath and Plaster Series and a Paper Series. Each allows me to explore and incorporate textures and color.

I began my Lath and Plaster Series recently. Seeing beauty inside an old lath and plaster wall of my 1956 studio was my inspiration. I have since been exploring ways to create highly textured pieces of wall art from jute ( thin rope) and plaster. The art is abstract, colorful, and filled with intertwined texture. The two textures complement each other nicely and give the art an earthy, industrial look. I look forward to continuing with exploring the possibilities and boundaries of this new art medium I am developing.

Recently I began adding paper pulp to the plaster to make it more flexible and lighter in weight. I tried to find dehydrated paper pulp to purchase and when I couldn't find any, I began making my own and it involved into another business venture called Whiskit! Paper Pulp. Take a look or purchase dehydrated paper pulp at Whiskitpaperpulp.com.

The Paper Series includes colorful paper collages made from handmade papers imported from villages around the world. They are filled with the textures of plant materials including the leaves and bark from banana, mango, and mulberry trees. Designs for my Paper Series often incorporate contemporary southwest plants and animals.

Biography
AAS degree Interior Design
Studied fiber arts at Northern Arizona University and Arizona State University
Studied ceramics at Arizona State University and Central Arizona College

GALLERY REPRESENTATION
Gallery 203, Casa Grande, AZ
   Ellie's Artisans, Casa Grande, AZ
   Tubac Center of the Arts, Tubac, AZ
Xanadu Art Gallery online studios, Scottsdale, AZ

JURIED SHOWS
Casa Grande Art Museum, 2014
     Tubac Center of the Arts, Tubac "Arizona Aqueous" Jan 12-Mar 9, 2012
     Sundust Gallery, Mesa "Spring 2012 Exhibit" Mar 9-31, 2012
Casa Grande Art Museum, 2012
     Tubac Center of the Arts, Tubac "Working with Paper" (national juried) Oct 14-Nov 13, 2011

OTHER
   Art educator at St Anthony of Padua school K-8 for three years
  Founded and directed Designer Artist Connection (DACO), an organization to connect interior designers with artists
   Paint contractor - specialized in murals, faux finishes, and decorative plasters for ten years

Artist Work History
2010-current, Artist, full time.
2011-2015, Designer Artist Connection (DACO), founder and director of organization to connect Arizona artists with Arizona interior designers. (See ads in Phoenix Home & Garden's February and March 2015 issues).
2000-2010, Desert Brush Decorative Walls, owner of decorative painting, graphic, and mural business in Arizona
1996-2000, St. Anthony School, Casa Grande, AZ, taught K-8 art
1984-1987, Fabrique', assisted nationally-known artist in creating large applique art panels/banners for commercial installations for interior design and architecture projects.