J.E. Paterak
I am a studio metalsmith and artist, living and working in Portland, Maine since the mid 90s. Having spent my childhood summers on a small body of water in midcoast Maine, I eventually came back to settle in the state. What captures my attention more than anything is what lies at our feet. Walking in nature is its own kind of practice. From it, I take metaphorically, but also like a child, I fill my pockets with the detritus of the forest floor and shoreline. From this, both directly and indirectly, I create paintings, prints and objects. I am also the co-owner and gallery director of Zero Station Gallery on Anderson St in East Bayside.