Monday, March 10, 2008

Portrait of the Artist

What's Jack up to? He's just doing his Monday chill thang. Enjoying ruling the house once again.

You may have wondered about my cool banner above. Well, it was designed by a wonderful artist and my very dear friend, Patricia Van Essche. I just love how she illustrated me way more fashionable than I really am! What a good friend. Wink.




I'm one that believes God brings certain people into your life for a reason. Now when I first met Patricia over 15 years ago, as a young girl starting out in fashion, there was no way I would know that so many years later we'd still be fast friends. But that's what happened. I guess the fact that Patricia was the first, even before my doctor, to inform me that I was having twins sealed the deal!
Patricia is a a wife, mother of a beautiful daughter and awsome teen twin boys and as you will see here an amazing artist. She can be checked out here at her studio PVE Design or at her blog for her daily thoughts.


Over the years Patricia has done quite a few wonderful works for me. One of my favorites was the gift she have me of my moving cards where she illustrated my house, truly showing it as the house of my dreams. For the longest time when friends pulled up to the house they were amazed that it really was the house on the card!
I'm also the proud owner of this lovely "rose" oil painting by Patricia. Yep, I'm starting a collection!


Being a busy mom and trying to live her dream like so many of us I thought Patricia would be great to interview. Here are a few of her thoughts on art, life and knitting it all together...

1. It's a long way from Louisville to Broadway. Is being an artist something you always knew you’d do? How did you get your start?
Always, loved creating an artful world. My mother always instilled in us to use our talents, all 7 of us. To never be bored and my father had a strong work ethic. They will be celebrating their 60th wedding Anniversary so dedication and commitment comes naturally. If you want something and you love it, one must work at it and it evolves over time.

2. Whether it be paper or canvas, the blank page can be a scary thing. Where do you get your inspiration?
Often being scared or on the edge is what it takes, it requires a certain risk, because art is subjective and there are many opinions but I still get a rush when people look at it and say, “Wow” that is amazing and then I say – well, I guess it’s ok, part of me says I can do it better. Inspiration comes all the time, perhaps that was learned – to appreciate everything.

3. We both know that art and fear seem to go hand in hand, so what made you take a leap of faith and step out on your own?
Being fortunate to have worked for the best, and then realizing that I had a unique vision and style that it was just time for me to do it for me. It took courage to realize that I was the artist, copier, mail-gal, secretary, accountant, pr agent, all rolled in one and faith, naturally!

4. As busy wife and mother how do you find the time to do it all and still make it look so effortless?
Like a mother bird feeds her baby birds, it is only natural to protect –feed – nourish and then push them to fly. My mother always says, “never do for them, what they can do for themselves. I have had to learn to allow help along the way. I also love to help and that gives me strength. We all need and want to be independent but we also need to work interdependently.

5. Who are you some of your art and style icons?
Real People, like you with dreams.

6. Awww!!! Don't make me cry. Where do you want to go in the future with your art? Paint us a picture. Ha! I couldn’t resist. Sorry.
Realizing that we are all only here for a short while, I want the future to be one of harmony, bright, pure, peaceful, no war, no disease, no suffering – everyone working towards a common goal to realize we are all here now for only a moment. My painting would be free, loose, and playful.

Thanks so much for the interview, Patricia and for being a wonderful friend!

Patricia is currently doing custom work for clients, be it a home sketch, portrait or still life. So if you have a hankering for a special gift for someone or a treat for yourself, please be sure to check her out. You won't be disappointed.

Best,
Kwana

27 comments:

Red River Interiors,LLC said...

Wonderful story loved the interview and of course you know I think the banner is great....I'd love to have an artist friend...I'll be shopping for one soon to do a few things for me including update my banner....Great post!! Fay

Keri Mikulski said...

Beautiful art work. Thanks for sharing the interview.

pve design said...

Kwana,

Thank you dear friend!
You have such a way with words!
Also, the books that you have given to me over the years have provided me with support, kindness, inspiration and courage!
Books you gave me- (must reads for other artists!)
"ART & Fear"- Bayles and Orlando
"The Artist's Way" -Cameron
"Simple Abundance" - Breathnach
You are the best PR Agent, Therapist, Knitting Buddy, Writer, Mom of twins, and Best Friend rolled all into one beautiful package!

Patricia

Anonymous said...

Oh wow! I will definitely check her out. What a friend you are for spotlighting such a talented individual. :-)

Unknown said...

I LOVE that banner. It's fantastic! And wow, your house is beautiful.

Carolyn

Braque68 said...

Hi Kwana,

Lovely interview! Loved all the pictures you included with the interview.

xo

Sue

My Notting Hill said...

Great post - sounds like a wonderful friendship. Also, congrats on your 100th post.

Kwana said...

Thanks Fay and Keri!

Patricia, you know you're my gal! Thanks so much for doing the interview.

Lis, please check her out!

Thanks Carolyn. I love my little house!

Hi Sue! I'm glad you like the interview!

Kwana said...

Hi, Notting Hill. Thanks so much.

Brown Girl Gumbo said...

Thanks for sharing that wonderful interview! I just love hearing about other women's lives and talents. She is a fantastic artist. I've always admired your banner, now I know who did it! :-)

Melissa C Morris said...

what a great interview. i'm a huge Patricia fan!

London Calling said...

What a beautiful friendship! I enjoyed the interview. Your home looks so charming!

Mary-Laure said...

I visit Patricia's blog a lot ('cause I love it) and it was great to read this interview to learn more about her as a person! Thanks Kwana (and my love to your little Jack)

Tracee Sioux, Sioux Ink: Soul Purpose Publishing said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog party.

I agree - a good friend changes everything.

I love her art and your banner.

Megan Frampton said...

Great interview, Kwana and Patricia!

Edward said...

Wonderful interview and beautiful art!

Kwana said...

Thanks to all for visisting today and enjoying Patricia's beautiful artwork. Please don't forget to check her out of you're looking for that special something.

Melissa Walker said...

i love an artist interview! great idea! you are a true renaissance woman!

kari and kijsa said...

Beautiful! Thanks for sharing!

blessings,
kari & kijsa

Kwana said...

Thanks so much Melissa!

Thanks for visiting Kari and Kijsa!

Eileen said...

Wow, what a great interview. I am proud to say that I too know and love Patricia. She was one to the first people I met in this town. I am her biggist fan!!! I am lucky enough to have Patricia's artwork throughout my home too. She is not only a great artist but also a great friend!!!

Anonymous said...

Wow! She is such a talented artist. And I've been wondering about your blog header, so it's funny that you brought it up. And, finally, I agree that sometimes it seems as if people enter each other's lives for specific reasons. Sometimes they are only friends for a short while but influence each other for years afterward, and sometimes they are together for many years. Either way, I try to always be grateful.

Curiosity Killer said...

What beautiful artworks! Thanks so much for dropping by! I just love the feel and work you've put into this blog...

Thank you for sharing that interview as well. Enjoy rest of the party, and definitely see you soon!

Hazel Martin Designs said...

Kwana, As a new blogger it can be scary. It is such a blessing to have people like you and Patricia out here in blogland. My heart swells with the love and admiration you have for eachother. Patricia has been so kind and inspiring to me, she's one of those bright and shining stars, I can't wait to read and see her blog, it's my first thought when I logon in the mornings! Thanks for giving me more insight into your friendship!

Kwana said...

Eileen, we are blessed to have Patricia as a friend and knitting buddy!

Thanks Curiosity Killer. Love your blog.

Booklady you are right. Always be grateful.

Thanks so much Hazel. Patricia a gem.

ALL THE BEST said...

Patricia really is just the BEST!!!

Kwana said...

You are so right there Rhonda!

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