Patti Ballard - Painter, Sculptor, Illustrator!

                   

                              Soaring to Success 

                       Interview with Orlando Artist: 

              Patti Ballard - Painter, Sculptor & Illustrator           

1.My name is Patti Ballard.. I live in Orlando Florida. I am a self taught painter, mixed media artist, sculptor, and illustrator)

2. When did you know you wanted to be an artist. 

I always knew i liked art, never knew I wanted to or could make a living from it, it first happened out of necessity when i was laid of my job in the Restaurant business and i went to work for Disney World as an artist because i did know how to draw.

3. What are your fears? 

At this time i feel very confident about my work and the direction in which i am heading. have i had fears? , yes of course, many of the normal like why would anybody like my art or could i sell it. 

*How have you faced them?  

straight on.. i don't really allow myself to entertain them much, I just do as much as I can and face the world head on ...

4. What makes you different…unique from others?

 My mind works in a qirky way.. I see things with a sense of humor or magical i should say.. i always find qirky and positive ways of looking at things or situations and try to interpret them through my art. 

I have been recently published in the summer issue 2012 of sommerset studio Gallery and also two more articles in the winter issue 2012 of the same magazine. I am currently illustrating a childrens book.

5. Any secrets to reveal about the tools you use or your techniques?  Tips or tricks?   What makes your art special? Are your supplies unusual? 

I create art on and with anything that crosses my path and I usually just let the inspiration take me as i am creating without much planning that is how i create my best work. I do start with an idea but sometimes it takes me in a different direction as i am creating.

6. What are your goals and inspirations?  Where will you hope to be in 2 years?  5 years?  10 years?

my goal is to keep creating and my favorite thing to do is bring a smile to people.  I want to help them to believe in love, friendship, kindness, and hope. To have fun,enjoy life. I want to inspire them to remember the child in themselves and take moments to enjoy this beautiful journey of life.  People sometimes dont get my art they think it is for children but i create art for the child in all of us. I want people to see my art like a child sees life. To take a moment and become that child again.

7. Where is your creative space or studio?

At home i have a small studio which is the messiest room ever and somehow and no matter how much i try to keep it clean it never stays that way, so when its too messy (I shamelessly admit) i move to another room in the house!:)

8.How much time do you devote to your work?  Is it at same time everyday? Are you disciplined to go into your studio at 9:00am every morning?

I usually have a schedule unless i am doing a commission that needs to be finished or if i have an art show coming up, i will paint all day and everyday.  

Or do you wait until you are in a creative mood?

 if i wait until i am in a creative mood it might not ever come so i just start even if i don't feel it.

9. What are your “whispers” or callings begging you to do?  What do you want to achieve?

 I just want to paint and create art... i wish i had an assistant to do all the other stuff for me..:)

10. Do you keep a daily journal or sketchbook, or write in a diary?

 i always take a sketch book wherever i go but i also have my mini ipad that i draw on constantly.  "Follow me" is a sketch i created on my ipad... you can see more on my instagram just look for pbsartstudio...

Lucy, Patti's studio assistant! 

Patti Ballard
pbsartstudio.com

Thank for doing this interview with me, Patti!  I have always enjoyed seeing your artwork.  You fascinate me with all your ideas.  I am sure you will be an inspiration to all of my blog readers!  
Wishing you lots of creative days to make your art...and tons of art sales!!!    Thanks again, JOAN


            If you are an artist, photog or writer contact me to be featured on my Making Waves Blog!                  
                                                           joanecarver@yahoo.com