One of our daily blog must’s is PVE Design. I just love Patricia’s artwork. Her illustrations evoke a sense of childlike innocence and peacefulness. Her artwork is always sophisticated and beautiful. Even if you haven’t directly visited her website or blog, you may have seen her work elsewhere… she’s done many banners for some very popular blogs and designs for other companies.
Tell us a little about yourself & pve design.

About me, I am an artist, with a penchant for creating and inspiring an artful life. A mother of 3, master of one dog and CEO of my own home. Married to a wonderful man, type A guy! I am one of seven children, born and raised in Kentucky, moved to NY when I was 22 for a career in Fashion.
Five years after the birth of our twin sons (now 15) I chose to leave my glamorous fashion design career to focus on being a Mom and to also solve my passion for creating on my terms. I always have loved using my hands, and my career, although I loved it, I was getting further away from the physical act of creating. I was more of a director and had many people to give direction and to create product. I wanted to be more hands on at home and in my work. It did not take me long, before I began crafting, illustrating, painting and I began doing little jobs while my sons were sleeping, in school or even with them in tow. Everyone around me told me to open a shop but I knew of the long hours, the headaches and I wanted to reach a wider international audience.
The internet was the obvious choice to open a web site to showcase my design services. My work has traveled to far-flung places and I have made some incredible contacts. I am in hopes of getting a book out, a licensed line of fabrics and some products to help other artists reach for the stars. I believe in giving, in faith, in living a kind and spirited life.
Did you always know that you wanted to do this as a career?

Yes. Even my drawings from a young age were a clear sign for a career in Art or Design. I began college in Art Education and then switched to Fashion.
I still love teaching and have several private clients that bring me joy. I believe in sharing and inspiring others.
What inspires you?
Strength, Weakness, Courage, Kindness, Smiles, Life, Babies, Teachers,Yarn, Fabric, Buttons, Things, Flowers, Taste, Fashion,Friends, Family, A blank canvas, a vintage scarf, a butterfly…. Chic is where you find it. (Bonnie Cashin said that, and I think she was smart!)
Things call out to me and I gravitate towards finding beauty in everyday.
Attitude Gratitude!
Do you have a favorite piece that you have created? Why is it your favorite?
A favorite, that is tough, but I do have many. Like a parent always replies when one of many a child asks, “Am I your favorite?” A parent cannot love one more than the other. Love is abundant. I often feel less than satisfied with something I have created and then later look back and say, Wow, I made that. I say that about my children too!

What is your favorite quote?
Oh, I have many favorite quotes, but my favorite would be,
T’is the gift to be simple. t’is the gift to be true - A Shaker proverb. One of my favorite spots in the world is Shakertown in Kentucky.
Also, Do what you love, love what you do - My Father said this a lot. I am not sure where he heard it… but it is true.
How do you feel that being an artist has affected the way you view life?
e v e r y t h i n g!
Being an artist is honoring the unique way each of us view life. Artists need to share and inspire one another. Blogging does this across the miles, all viewpoints provide a unique and beautiful voice for the Universe.
If you could offer one thing to encourage or inspire a young person wondering how to live a meaningful life, what would you like to say?
Life is not about what you have, it is about being and giving and trusting that the Universe will provide for you. Share and give freely. Devote your time to a charity that you feel strongly about, take good care of your body and feed your soul with great art and books. Live a life of faith, one that you can stand alone and be humbled by. A simple humble life is of utmost importance for worldwide peace. Kindness and compassion can change the world.



{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
erika @ urban grace interiors 06.10.08 at 7:42 pm
yeah! love patricia! so glad to read this interview… she is my Kentucky home girl… didn’t know she liked ole Shakertown. Loved reading this!
erika
Jen 06.10.08 at 8:34 pm
Oooh!! I love her drawings (I discovered her through Making It Lovely) and only wish I could draw half as good as she can! Great, great interview!!!
Karen 06.10.08 at 10:19 pm
I love her style of artwork…makes me want to grab a sketch pad and try my hand at something!
cc 06.10.08 at 10:46 pm
Patricia is great….such an elegant and classy lady. I have enjoyed her blog/work for a while. What a great interview….Thanks, Melissa!!!
patricia 06.11.08 at 4:12 am
Melissa,
So very honored and flattered. I encourage each of you to pick up a pen, a crayon a brush and release your inner artist! So thrilled that many of you feel inspired. That is all it takes, a seed of inspiration, to a full blown work of beauty!
Blessings to you!
Patricia
Melissa Lewis 06.11.08 at 9:19 am
So glad to hear you all love Patricia’s work as much as Jaime and I do! She is a beautiful woman inside and out!
Diana 06.11.08 at 9:34 am
GREAT interview and great blog too!
artist in NC 06.11.08 at 11:03 am
I really enjoyed this interview!! Wonderful lady inside and out.
Thanks Melissa!
Rhoda 06.11.08 at 3:13 pm
I’ll have to go and visit her, she sounds like an interesting person.
Love, love your new striped frames! Those are so gorgeous.
RHoda
A-M 06.11.08 at 4:04 pm
I just LOVE her style. One of my favourite artists and such a beautiful person. A-M xx
Trina 06.11.08 at 10:20 pm
Wonderful interview…. thanks for sharing!!!!!
Lisa @ Stop and Smell the Chocolates 06.11.08 at 10:50 pm
I love that artwork. Nice interview!
karen 06.12.08 at 1:18 pm
I really enjoyed this interview, and I love her artwork shown throughout the interview. I must go see her blog and web site. Karen
mrs. french 06.12.08 at 7:01 pm
Oh how I love this woman. Such a fabulous interview! “Being an artist is honoring the unique way each of us view life.” BRILLIANT!
melissa @ the inspired room 06.12.08 at 9:52 pm
I love her blog, she does have great style!
Excellent interview!!
Irene 06.13.08 at 5:07 am
It is the kind of art I would put on the wall. I don’t like depressive stuff, and PVE’s design is a song to life.
Thanks to you, I have discovered something about the person behind the paintings, which makes her work more adorable.
Thank you.
Nesting Instincts 06.16.08 at 10:47 am
Great interview, Melissa!! I love her blog too. She’s a fascinating and artistic person. I enjoyed reading this! :-) Courtney
Hooked on Houses 06.16.08 at 1:48 pm
What an inspirational interview. I just soaked it all in. Thanks for sharing her and her art with us! -Julia :-)