Patricia Wyatt believes that "art is one of the pathways to the inner self, and a journey to the
realm of spirit," and that "space, light, shade and color are essences of spirit, each with their
own symbolic meaning and role to play in life." Her mystical figurative images robed in the
colors of the Southwest implement that belief, providing powerful portraits of the Native
American culture influencing her life and work.
Born in New York and raised in Southern California, Wyatt was initially an intaglio
printmaker who also worked as a textile designer in both Los Angeles and New York as well as
art director for a clothing manufacturer in Santa Fe. Experience teaching weaving, pottery,
basketry and ceramics at the Braille Institute and conversations with her associates there
profoundly altered her perception of sight and healing: "your mind is your sight, your eyes are
just receptacles to light."
Living and painting in New Mexico for the last several years, where she is involved with
enrichment programs at several pueblos, contact with Native American culture has taught her
the importance of pageantry, ritual music and dancing, and the influence of animals' powerful
medicine.
"My interpretation required more than a faithful depiction of the physical attributes of
the people I painted. My rendering of line and color had to honor the emerging self within, not
to paint people as a static given, an artifact, or just a piece of history ...the Native Americans
living near my home believe that life is both spirit and matter; as we live through each phase
of our life we experience lightness and darkness, colors of varying hue that best express our
moment of being...the tablitas, blankets and jewelry we wear are designed with mythical forms
that, if believed, vitalize our connection with our ancient past...my art celebrates the drama of
this search." Wyatt's meditative portraits honor and communicate that continual process of
discovery and circular path.
BIRTHPLACE: New York, NY
EDUCATION: California State University, Northridge, CA
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