Meet Marga Patterson

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marga Patterson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marga, why did you pursue a creative career?
Drawing was my first love and my curiosity grew from there. My parents enjoyed making things when they had the time and energy. They fostered my creativity and encouraged my imagination. From a young age, people acknowledged my talent for drawing and I kept on this path. My Mom volunteered at the art museum and gave art talks at our school to teach kids about art. I was fascinated by how powerful art could be. Growing up in rural Michigan, I was determined to move to New York City where I could pursue my passion in an environment where being an artist was a recognized and accepted profession. I attended the Art Students League where I received a stellar education and met most of my closest friends. I realized that being a working and even successful artist was possible while you were alive. Bartending allowed me to support myself financially and my schedule allowed me time to make art, receive an art education and attend art exhibitions. Working in the service industry, I also met other artists and this sometimes led to participation in group exhibitions. Slowly, I was able to build a network and keep the ball rolling. When times were tough, I thought about pursuing other career paths that might offer me a more stable income, but I always returned to making art. I couldn’t go against the grain and give up on what I loved doing most.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I didn’t have a real art studio until I moved to Istanbul. Moving to Turkey gave me a chance to truly experience what it means to be a working artist. My art practice flourished here and the deep rooted history of the city itself was inspiring. Creative opportunities were accessible and there was room to create your own. There was also the potential to make something happen if you did the work. All these elements helped build my confidence as an artist and propel me forward.

I’ve managed to get to where I am today through consistent hard work, a passion for making and refusing to give up. It’s not easy, but I keep going because I can’t imagine doing anything else. I’ve learned to stay true to myself and believe in my work. I also try not to be too hard on myself and remember that every creative has a place in this world. Sometimes I struggle with comparing myself to other artists, especially when it comes to social media. I try not to get too overwhelmed and turn my negative feelings into constructive criticism that I can apply to my practice.

I want the world to know about my brand that being open to experimenting with new materials allows me to express different ways of feeling and experiencing our world. Why limit myself to working with only one medium when there’s a whole realm to explore? Exploring new materials initiates different ways of thinking, feeling and provides exciting challenges. Recently, I’ve started carving stone, mainly serpentine, found in the forest. It’s thrilling, but also requires patience and working with the material rather than just using it as a means to create a form. Since I often work with locally sourced found materials (wild clay, stone, etc. ) I hope to encourage others to create artworks from upcycled or natural materials.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I have yet to visit L.A, so it will be a fun adventure when the time comes! I would definitely take them to art galleries like Karma, Hauser & Wirth, Pace and Anat Ebgi Wilshire to see what is happening locally. We’d also go to a couple museums like LACMA, the Getty and the Broad. Take a stroll around Hollywood and visit some tourist attractions. My BFF and I are big fans of Mexican food, so we’d hunt down the best places for tacos. After gorging on tacos, we’d use that energy to bike the Strand. Spend some downtime at the beach watching the waves and take in some California sunsets. We’d also find time to explore outside the city and see what we could discover.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ve been fortunate to always have had the love and support of my family. They have continuously encouraged me to follow my heart. A big shout out to all my friends and my amazing Grey Whale who has always had my back. I wouldn’t have been able to realize any of my projects or exhibitions without their help and believing in me. Big love and immense gratitude to everyone!

Website: https://margapatterson.com/

Instagram: marga.patterson

Image Credits
Photograph of the artist and stone sculptures by Ira Tishakova

All other photographs by the artist