Today we’d like to introduce you to Pati Stajcar.
Hi Pati, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As most artists start out I drew anything I could find. Growing up, art class was my sanctuary. I was working for the original Frontier Airlines and started carving ornamental birds as a hobby, but after ten years in the airline industry, I left in 1985 to pursue sculpting as a professional career. I have my choice of living pretty much anywhere in the world but the abundance of wildlife, sun, snow and art make Colorado the place I call home. I work in stone, wood and bronze. All stone and wood pieces are one of a kind and the bronzes are very limited editions. I like to say design, flow and balance are my subject matter and nature is my guide.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I believe everyone needs art in their lives, but realistically it is a luxury item for most. However, I have had some buyers take a few years to pay off a small sculpture a bit at a time so they could have their first piece of art in their home. It humbles me to think I’ve created something someone would scrimp and save to have for their own. That being said, the art business, and yes it is a business, is tied to the fluctuating economy. I think of it as a surfer riding the wave, you paddle hard to get to the wave, you ride it where it takes you, and sometimes it crashes, but you paddle back even harder to find the wave again. Two very tough times were after 9/11 and the 2008 crash. In both those economic downtimes, I had many artist friends and gallery owners abandon their art businesses for other means of income. Luckily, my husband Dave and I are squirrels and save up to prepare for those ebbs and flows in the economy.
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 very proud of the fact that I’ve made my living as a professional artist with no supplemental income. My husband worked with me for 35 years until a recent downturn. We had a motto, I make ’em he moves ’em. He also does anything with a straight line. I wear many hats of course, design, fabrication, production, marketing, transportation, installation and of course selling. I usually work on many pieces at a time, sometimes carving or sculpting, sometimes welding and chasing, or designing new pieces as the urge hits. I do try to finish a few clay sculptures at a time so I can make the molds all at once. Molds are more of an engineering thing for me so I have to take a moment to put the right hat on when switching from creating to production. What sets me apart from many artists is that I work in many disciplines. I work in wood, marble and bronze. A few pieces are purely decorative but most have a hidden meaning in their title. I’m probably most known for my depiction of birds. I’ve spent over 20 years volunteering with raptor organizations that use our animals as educational outreach ambassadors, teaching about the importance of animals and biodiversity. Being involved with those organizations gave me the opportunity to study their ambassadors up close and personal.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I studied ballet when young, so I never thought I’d be welding and grinding metal as an adult. I was also terrified of fire until I went to the academy and became a volunteer firefighter for our community for 14 years.
Pricing:
- $600.00-$120,000.00
Contact Info:
- Website: www.stajcar.com
Image Credits
Balance of Power- Mel Schockner Duckhorn Pond- Mel Schockner Surrender- Mel Schockner The Bickersons -Mel Schockner
