Meet Pat Forbes of PatForbesArt

Today we’d like to introduce you to Pat Forbes.

Pat, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have loved making art since I was a child. Through my life, I found avenues to art through my home, quilting, gardening, and creating an environment to surround me. Art is everything. For 25 years I pursued first an avocation, then a career in Middle Eastern textiles and carpets. As the owner of O’Bannon Oriental Carpet in Pittsburgh, PA I traveled throughout Turkey, visiting weavers and seeing many small byways and villages…. travels well off the beaten path. Textiles have had a great impact on my artistic vision. Over the last decade, I returned to painting and gradually developed my own unique style.

A friend repeatedly urged me to take my art public. In 2011 I applied to UGallery.com, a process that ‘juries’ your work and accepts you into their stable of artists. I was pleased to be selected and have had a wonderful experience with them as my representative. Most recently I was selected as one of 30 UGallery artists to participate in an original art program with Crate and Barrel. This has been an exciting and successful endeavor. UGallery has helped me grow from a shy hobbyist to embracing myself as an artist. I have developed a relationship with a local art gallery, Paula Estey Gallery in Newburyport as well as exhibiting at the Newburyport Art Association. I was invited to be on the board of the Newburyport Art Association, an inspiring organization that has enriched me as an artist and as a person. Art has been my portal into the unknown, always an adventure and a challenge. It keeps me young at heart.

Has it been a smooth road?
I have had a lucky life. My struggles have been endured and overcome and I learned the most valuable lessons from them all.

Personally, I was a single parent for many years. Trying to be a good mom and an independent successful entrepreneur was a challenge shared by many women. As an artist, self-doubt was the biggest obstacle I faced. Overcoming it is a daily struggle.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with PatForbesArt – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My business has grown organically as my artistic vision and output has grown. My husband is my bookkeeper, accountant, and schlep. Without a plan, my art has morphed into a business that allows me to do what I love.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Newburyport is a unique New England town. It rose from utter decay in the 1970’s to reclaim itself as a beautiful classic New England town. It is picture postcard perfect. The citizens are vital, intellectual, and interested in their community’s welfare. It is a great place to raise a family and a one hour train ride from Boston. Our waterfront is beautiful but cries out for new development. This is our challenge. Change scares people.

Contact Info:

• Website: Patforbesart.com
• Phone: 617-759-8882
• Email: pafk1129@mac.com

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