Maker Spotlight: Mad With Rapture Studio

Patti Agapi is the artist behind Mad With Rapture Studio. Creating intricate mixed media pieces both small + large, Patti has cultivated a distinct style. Easily recognizable by those familiar with our local art scene. If you haven't already met her, she is an incredibly kind + supportive human being. A few months after opening the doors here at Harold + Ferne, Patti welcomed me with open arms to the community + invited me to join the Starry Night Committee. It was a great experience to meet + work with the inspiring women that have run this event for over a decade. And Patti's generosity + trust are to credit for my involvement. Patti is a wonderful resource in this arts community - generous with her time, experience + honesty. I absolutely adore her visits when we can chat + catch up on everything art + local.

Her mixed media art pendants are some of the coolest things I have ever seen. Inspiring, witty, loving, profound, charming - they make fabulous gifts ;) ;) I wear my own multiple times a week! Now a familiar name on the Orillia arts scene, Patti discusses how she got here + where she started. Read on for a peek into our first full-time artist spotlight!

1. When did you first learn about your trade?

I have always enjoyed creating + my present manifestation of ‘mixed media artist’ evolved from years of play (at various creative outlets – baking, sewing, drawing, painting, etc.). So, I would have to say I first began ‘learning’ my process as soon as I could grasp a drawing tool.

2. What do you love about Orillia?

Orillia is beautiful – its physical location between two lakes, its public parks, its lovely, safe feeling city streets. It is also oozing with creative souls – the Arts scene is a constant inspiration + motivation. I am amazed daily by the talent + creative spirit in the Orillia community.

3. Why is it important to you to buy, support + shop locally?

Supporting local is acknowledging + validating my neighbours, friends + fellow artists. I want to see them succeed + do what they love, while also earning a living.

4. What is your day job?

‘Artist’ is my day job.

5. How did you get to where you are? What has your journey been like?

I began working + showing as an artist about 10 years ago. I originally worked from a home studio + most of my networking was online – connecting with artists from all over the world. Then, after joining Zephyr Art Gallery + Peter Street Fine Arts five years ago, I became involved in the local art scene. The art community in Orillia is amazingly supportive, energetic + thriving. I am fortunate to now show my work in several downtown Orillia venues. Through connections + friendships, I have learned + grown immensely as an artist (and person) over the past five years. I love every minute of the artist-journey – it’s an incredible, on-going adventure. Recently I opened my own studio space - another exciting chapter!

6. What has been your biggest challenge so far?

Staying organized + on track. I tend to love beginnings – starting a new piece or pendant series is exciting, follow through to completion takes a great deal of effort. Hence, I work on numerous pieces at once (dozens of mixed media works on the go + hundreds of pendants). Things eventually finish themselves!

7. What are 3 things on your bucket list?

Bucket List! I don’t have many ‘wants’ but …. (can only think of 2!)

1. Travelling again, it’s been too long, but this time with my boys.

2. ‘Dying’ my hair a crazy colour.

8. Where or how would you recommend someone interested in your trade start?

I am considering my trade to be ‘Working Artist’ …. Do something creative every day – even if it is a manic scribble on a napkin. Get the flow going + connect with it. Embrace the creative life + consider everything you do an extension of that creativity. Keep going. Do not give up. AND, get INVOLVED – join a group or artist collective, volunteer for community projects – get out there with your creations!

9. What resources did or do you find helpful?

Initially, the internet. I followed artists + makers that inspired, researched techniques + ideas. Now, usually energetic chats with fellow Artists help jump-start my motivation + conjure up ideas.

10. What are 3 things you wish people knew about your products?

1. Each of my mixed media works are made of several layers of collage materials + paint (sometimes over 10) + often take months (years) to arrive at a conclusion.

2. Words are an integral part of my work.

3. My pendants are miniature, one-of-a-kind works of art – each one is different, however slightly.

Thank you ever so much Patti! Want to see more? Follow Mad With Rapture Studio on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. Or go visit her new studio space!

#Artist #Artisan #SupportLocal #Series #StainedGlass