Patricia Biesen

Saint Francis, Wisconsin

For the last two decades I have shown my work at many Chicago-based galleries as well as a few on the West Coast. One of my drawings even went as far as Bled, Slovenia. I don’t have any hidden meaning regarding my work. I work mostly in florals in oil pastels, inks, and watercolor. My work is very soft as I feel we live in a really hard world. I crave softness.

For many years I used my work as its own form of art therapy. I often painted scenes from a challenging childhood as I was a child who had a growth disorder and suffered a lot of abuse at school. In recent years, I became more entranced with nature and its ethereal quality. We use flowers to both celebrate and mourn. My dandelion works are a personal favorite, as it’s a symbol that means so much to so many. A few weeks ago, I told a friend about my affinity for dandelions and Queen Anne’s Lace. I said, “I don’t know if they are flowers or weeds but I like the delicate look of them.” My friend said, “Maybe that’s what our creator thinks of us.”

Past Artists on the Lam shows: Exquisite Corpse (2011) & I CAN DO THAT (2012)

Patricia interacting with fellow participating artist Nathan Stanton's piece. I CAN DO THAT opening reception photo by Sophia Nahli Allison, 2012 — Patricia interacting with fellow participating artist Nathan Stanton's piece. *I CAN DO THAT* opening reception photo by Sophia Nahli Allison, 2012

10th Anniversary Message:

I’m proud of myself for staying in the game. I think it was Damien Hirst who said, “Wanting success or fame in art is like wanting to be a vampire or live forever.” Sometimes well-meaning non-creative friends say things like, “Well why aren’t you just making a living doing your art?” Even if I sold all my art it would maybe buy me a year? Maybe 1.5 years. Maybe modern artists should not compare themselves to non-creative careerists. I’m not saying it isn’t possible but I am no longer going to shame myself or be a part of toxic positivity because I’m not successful in the way others think I should be. Imagine a help wanted ad that read like this: “Make whatever art you want in any style you want and your salary is $40K, materials and benefits supplied.” I’ve never seen that. Being creative is viewed almost as an illness or an addiction. Every time I meet another creative person I want to just hug them and say, “Yeah I’ve got the creativity too. I’m so sorry.”