The Creative Spirit Speaks

Statement on Art:

"I am a Creative Spirit (pioneering coined term, formerly regarding as Visual Artist."

It is true that Art lends itself to many interpretations and, in that, graciously accepts them. However, it has a specific truth. Art is a reality. Most communication is confusion. In my opinion, if art communicated more than one thing, then it lies to itself and to the audience. To this mean, I have sought to develop a style in which to speak without compromising my position of not regarding art as a communicative tool; because, to me, art is not communication but rsther a substantial transference of energy, with the Spirit at its core- its essence. So then, I had to somehow fit my ideal into a form in which art and communication could reasonably merge and become one flesh. In doing this, I was faced with the challenge of appropriating a language in which communication would be clearly understood.  This challenge led me to explore a new way of thinking, believing, seeing, and using my art.  Everything became referential- words, text, signs, symbols...everything. In all this, a language library began to immerge.  This journey was the birth of my new style which I have termed, URBAN EXPRESSIONISM- copyright 2002.”

( This new style, URBAN EXPRESSIONISM, allows me to be spontaneous and playful, and also serious, with my work; it’s like being in recess but knowing exactly what you want to do while in recess.  All that is required is to accept it and take hold of it. These ideas and words would come to me- as many words do- in thought particles that were floating in my space.   As they come to me I play with them, change them, wondering if they are actual words, signs, and symbols. ) 

Some are real, but most are not; which I possess and store into my own language library.  Then, I let my connection with the Spirit flow through the work; as I am not interested in preaching with my work, or even to intellectualize my work. Yet, somehow it happens to be this way. The result is rhythmically and spiritually flowing in nature. Rhythmically disjointed like jazz notes; the approach and application works to make the flow resonate into your soul- your true essence.  Although, my affinities are rooted in the Classical and Traditional aspects of art, the appeal of the Modern and Contemporary has been fused into it to make the rythmical and the spiritual more pronounced.  Things are etched or scratched out to provoke the viewer to look more closely...intimately.  I believe there is simplicity, purity, and truth that solely lay within the Traditional and the Classical; though, it can also be expressed within the Modern; and the Contemporary.  So, I endeavor to show this simplicity, purity, and truth in my work; for this era and for the History of Art

Biography:

Dune Patten studied painting and sculpture while under studY at the University of Houston; however, he is largely self-taught , and is always in search and support for artistic research and development.  Dune has shown and continues to show his works of art in group and individual exhibitions around the Houston area; as well as both nationally and internationally. 

A promising career was almost ended when, in the Fall of 2001, he fell victim to an near-death automobile accident which left him in a lengthy convalescence. During this time, he turned inward to his spirituality; that is to say, a God-focused spirituality.  This return to the Spirit led him to explore a new way of thinking and seeing- for which to use his art. His spiritual strength, passion, and fortitude led to his recovery and first major installation project titled, “Treasures in Jars of Glass: Modern-Day Essenes,” at Project Row Houses- Third Ward, TX; which gained the attention of major institutions and museums- in particular, The Gates Foundation and The Seattle Art Museum.  This installation resonated with the spirit of discovered truth in ancient biblical scrolls/ and manuscripts; and his own testimony.   Patten says, “Art is not simply communication.  For me, art is a substantial transference of energy; with the Spirit at the core of it. Art should say nothing; but it should be true and resonate everything.  Art should be spherical; going in all directions but still having a specific point- it’s origin.  In my opinion, if art communicated more than one thing, then it lies to itself and to the audience.  To this mean, I have sought to develop a style in which to ‘speak’ without compromising my position of not using art solely as a communicative tool.  I had to somehow fit my ideal into a form in which my art and communication could reasonably merge and become one flesh.  In doing this, I was faced with the challenge of appropriating a language in which communication would be clearly understood.”  Furthermore, Patten says, “Everything became referential- words, text, signs, symbols; everything.  A spherical collection.  In all this, a language library began to emerge. This two year journey was the birth of my new style which I have termed URBAN EXPRESSIONISM- copyright 2002”   

Patten's frequented independent venues, as well as numerous galleries are extensive; which includes The Vineyard Art Gallery, Fra Angelico Art Gallery, Missouri1521 Gallery, Lawndale Art Center, Project Row Houses, G-Gallery, Gallery 101, Houston Community College-Central Campus Fine Art Gallery, Inman Gallery, The ArtHouse at the Jones Center, Dunn & Brown contemporary, The Museum of Art-Austin, The BathHouse Cultural Center, The Cameron Gallery, Southern Methodist University, FineSilver Gallery-San Antonio, The Museum of Fine Arts-Houston, Commerce Street Artists' Warehouse, Rick Wells’ Studio 101 Gallery, Café Boticell, Vox Culture Houston, Midtown Art Center, and Deborah Colton Gallery- with past, and recent, commissions and acquisitions of his work by; Washington Mutual Bank-Montrose of Houston, First Presbyterian Church-Museum District, and S.H.A.P.E. Community Center-Third Ward; and with future showing, in Ireland, Italy, Africa, and the UK; now, all realized save for Africa- to which, he is focused to accomplish.

Patten's exhibitions have been reviewed and/or mentioned in various publications such as The Public News, Houston's Other, ARTSHouston Magazine, Free Press Houston, The Third Eye, Inc., Modern Luxury-Houston Magazine, Houston Styles Magazine, Case Magazine, ENVY Magazine, 002 Magazine, Dazed and Confused Magazine, TimeOut-UK, PaperCity Magazine, and WET PAINT SYNDROME web-zine. As well as appearing on Public news, radio, and cable stations such as FOX26 News, ABC-13 News, Melanie Lawson's CROSSROADS, KCOH Radio Station, KKHT100.7 Neon Fish, and Houston Media Source Cable Access-17. In addition, his work has found their way into private collections locally, nationally, and internationally.

 Dune-Micheli Patten now lives and works in Houston, TX.