PAT DEGRANDPRE

ARTIST BIO

When Pat DeGrandpre looks back on her 20-year career as a self-taught artist, she has to laugh at her own audacity. “I’ve always been a cart-before-the-horse [type of person], “she says, “Striking out before I had the credentials.” She was first inspired to try her hand at art when she was exposed to the ceramic painting of 19th century Maine writer/painter Celia Thaxter. She taught herself the techniques of painting on blank pottery. As her skills in that medium developed, she and three other artists began talking about forming an artist cooperative. Just Us Chickens was launched in 2005. Eighteen years later, Pat is the last of the founders still participating as a member and is rightfully proud of its success. She credits its longevity to “timing, focus, dedication, and the creative community that welcomed a very creative group of artists.”

Ceramic painting was just the beginning for Pat. “My creative fountain never stops flowing,” she says. Although she still enjoys painting, her art repertoire has expanded to include fiber art, mixed media, and nature art. She loves the challenge of producing what the public appreciates. A naturally curious person, the artistic potential in organic materials fascinates her. After a day outside, she always manages to come home with one of nature’s gifts. “Then the fun begins,” she says, “Dwelling on how I will convert it to “art”.”
Pat recently taught herself the ancient art of weaving baskets with pine needles and most recently has been creating stunningly beautiful vases and centerpieces made from birch bark. Creating something that is both utilitarian and beautiful from something found in nature brings her great joy.

If her success as a working artist and current role as merchandiser for JUC wasn’t enough, at the age of 65 she added a BA in Art and Writing to her credentials. No wonder her friends dub her a Renaissance woman.