Minto Group | Pulse | Patricia Kenny

Biography

Patricia is an Ottawa based multi-discipline artist. She has studied visual arts at York University, Algonquin College and Ottawa School of Art at different times in her artistic journey. In her two years of study at York University she developed an interest in Art History and sculpture. After moving to Ottawa, she worked in the education sector, raised four children and returned to creative arts studies at Algonquin College where she developed a passion for mixed media painting and digital photography – graduating with a Creative Arts Certificate in 2009. She returned to school full-time in 2014 at the Ottawa School of Art where she studied various mediums including painting, drawing, printmaking and digital media. Patricia graduated this spring from the Fine Arts Diploma Program. During her three years at the school she was the recipient several awards and scholarships including the Corrie Gibson Memorial Studio Scholarship, the Ted Marshall Memorial Scholarship, the Lee Matasi Scholarship and the Ottawa Art Association Fine Arts Award.

Artist Statement

Patricia is a multi-discipline artist with a primary focus on mixed media painting. She uses drawing to create spontaneously-generated imagery as an adjunct to painting. She compiles digital sketchbooks to collect inspiring imagery from natural and urban surroundings.

The works are abstract expressions inspired by life’s transformative experiences and resilience of the human spirit.  The imagery within the work is mysterious and often mystical or surrealistic.  Resilience is expressed as something pliable that withstands forces of nature and time.  Forms may be dissolving and re-forming simultaneously and survive as weathered, layered and translucent surfaces.

Her method of working is based on spontaneity and materiality.  Dynamic energy and movement are created using a varied repertoire of means that includes scratching, pouring and layering of paint and materials. There is physicality in her painting process that is direct and action-filled. The directness taps into the subconscious resulting in primordial, passionate and universal paintings.

Along with acrylic paints, acrylic mediums, drawing implements and collage, she considers experience a raw material. The paintings are narrative in that they are authentic expressions about transformation, resilience and energy as it relates to her experience of being human.