Patty Aker

My aesthetic leans towards simple, modern and dramatic compositions, reflecting on nature’s tessellations. I admire artists such as David Hocking, Sonia Delaunay, Matisse and Picasso!

I enjoy designing abstracts with an organic slant, working with layers of paint and resists, employing different techniques to build on texture. The result belies the simplicity of my craft. Occasionally, I’ll include the written word or my favorite poetry to complete a piece.

The love of fashion and sewing draws me to fiber arts. Silk is my canvas; it is a very forgiving medium. Colors evolve intensely to produce the drama I want in the fabric. Painting on silk is such an exciting experience. The paints are uncontrollable upon touching the silk and take on a life of their own, swirling, pushing, and merging into amazing contortions of vibrant color. The dye flow is tamed by various methods and the result is always a visual, textural surprise.

Experimentation is endless and after a decade plus of playing and practice, I am still thrilled at every unexpected image or design. My latest body of work reflects our fragile environment and the impact humans have on the earth.

I have exhibited in many juried, group and solo shows. My favorite aspect of art is teaching at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center and being an Artist-in-Residence: twice at Friendship Elementary in North Fond Du Lac; at Wilson Elementary, Sheboygan; at North High School, Sheboygan in 2017 and South High School, Sheboygan, Fall semester 2018/19.