Today we’d like to introduce you to Pat Riot
Hi Pat, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have been creating and showing art in Los Angeles since 1996. I assumed the nom de guerre, Pat Riot, as a reaction to the over-reaction that was presented to the American public as the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001. What better way to
Unite and Strengthen America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism? I Identify with the term “RIOT”, as my artistic expression mirrors this sentiment—a raw, out-of-control approach to ideas and techniques, embodying a “thoughtless and unbound by consequence” ethos.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The biggest challenge for me as an artist was trying to find the time and energy to create art while my kids were younger and needed my care and devotion as a stay-at-home Father.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a non-media specific visual artist.
I don’t specialize in one particular medium. Creatively, I’m driven by ideas and I will use whatever medium that works best to manifest those ideas.
I might be best known for creating pointillist portraits of baseball players using chewed bubblegum, however, the process is tedious and time consuming and bad for my jaw. My proudest achievement lies in the creation of a bumper sticker that I believe defines the epitome of the LA experience: “DOES THIS CAR MAKE ME LOOK FAT?”
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I have never been good at networking.
Finding a mentor is not something that I have pursued, although I have been fortunate to build friendships with other like-minded artists whose creative processes and work ethics I admire.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pat.riot.art
- Instagram: @pat_riot_art
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