Two of Patti Beck's passions in life are her beloved
gardens and creating her distinctive artwork. She works
in her studio,'Herbs and Clay Pottery' in Tipton County,
whose windows overlook her extensive flower gardens,
featured in Garden Ideas & Outdoor Living, summer
2001, Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest Publications,
and acres of family farmland.
This familiar, yet ever changing landscape inspires
her to translate the vibrancy of color and delicacy
of design she sees before her, onto her clay figures,
markers and plaques.
Patti often presses herbs, flowers and sycamore leaves
onto the wet clay to suggest movement and form.
"Although I love working in the solitude of
my studio, I am always excited about going to festivals
so I can see my customers who have been so enthusiastic
and loyal. They inspire me."
Working alone in her studio, Patti designs, sculpts
and glazes all her work offering her customers a vast
array of artwork, ranging from the smallest leaf earrings
to the highly collectable Father Christmas statues.
There is always a great deal of excitement generated
by customers anxious to see the new design which is
introduced each year. They have even been known to
rush from the entrance of the Chautauqua to the far
corner of the park to be first
in line at Patti's booth!
Obviously, family plays an essential role in Patti's
life, from her husband Mike who has been an invaluable
partner to their four children who have grown up weeding
the garden and helping in the studio.
"I feel that my customers have always taken
an interest in my family. They never fail to ask about
the welfare of our children."
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