Patti Cook

Bio Narrative

Growing up surrounded by domestic arts and crafts Patti's initial encounters with textiles was hand-stitching her own Barbie and Ken doll's clothing.
Her mum taught her how to use the sewing machine around nine years of age and this is when her love affair with textiles and thread began. She would spend hours transfixed on the meditative motion of the needle going in and out, fascinated that the end result was a structure that could be worn or used.
This fascination still holds true today. Mark making in any form is also a primary drive in much of Patti's art work, no matter which medium she chooses to express it with.

Patti is now retired from an extensive career in Engineering design in several disciplines. This field was always thought of as her "parallel" career as she always hoped to be a career artist.

Much of Patti's art education is self taught, however, she has been an avid student in many art and watercolour courses. Her more important training in watercolour was at the University of Lethbridge in the early 80s and her participation in in workshops from notable watercolour artists Zoltan Szabo and Jean Dobie, both of whom were instrumental influences in her earlier watercolour pursuits.
Many workshops through the years by several watercolour artists were also instrumental in keeping Patti up to date with any latest techniques in watercolour and the mixed media arena.
From procuring commissions in the early years painting murals in residential homes, businesses and/or for charity fundraisers to creating masks, sewing costumes for a small local theater and any in between, Patti has kept her hand in the world of "all things art".
If you can imagine the numerous types of medium and styles, Patti has most likely tried them, however, using her love of textiles, threads and natural fabrics and turning to them as an art form was a natural progression for Patti.

The summer vacation in 2000 saw a huge shift in Patti's art direction. She participated in a "wet felting" workshop in Kingston Ontario at a fibre fair she attended. This was a fascinating experience after which she dabbled with what she could do with this most amazing and versatile medium artistically. It wasn't until another 10 years later, an early retirement from her Engineering design career, that Patti decided to go all in on developing and experimenting with her textile and fibre arts.

Perusing through the photo's on this site will give you an idea of Patti's style and the art she was able to create from this incredible medium so far. Her art is as eclectic as her personality as she weaves through her days creating!

Patti has participated and volunteers at local galleries and business events. She has taught at JNAAG ( Judith Norman Alix Art Gallery - a world class Gallery in Sarnia Ontario) to both youth and adults. She has donated to charitable auctions and organized art classes for other organizations as well as for the classes she teaches.
She also volunteers her time and sells her works at The Lawrence House Centre for the Arts as well on consignment in a few local businesses such as About Face Spa and Grays Floral Market in Petrolia, Ontario.

Prior to COVID lockdowns, Patti was teaching in her studio full time.

Check out my CV page where it lists other notable events. The Workshops at this time have been suspended due to the events in the previous two years. However, private groupings are being booked.