PATTIE PORTER FIRESTONE works in a simple vocabulary of metal lines in space. She creates three-dimensional objects anchored in the earth yet breaking away from their gravitational limitations. Searching to comprehend nature’s invisible language, she uses line, rhythm and color to express energies connecting us with the earth.
Her larger outdoor metal sculptures in public spaces are accessible to all ages, made in a human scale, usually colorful, powder coated steel or aluminum, easily installed and easily maintained. Her interior bronze sculptures represent several different views of one person or idea. Her interior bronze Chinese characters reflect her love of language – visual and verbal.
While fabricating the bronze pieces herself, she works with fabricator Mark Bailey to make her larger outdoor work.
Firestone grew up in Atlanta Georgia taking classes at the High Museum of Art. She graduated from Mount Holyoke College in New England where she was inspired by sculptor Leonard DeLonga to major in art. Then she spent her junior year in Aix-en-Provence, France studying with Leo Marchutz drawing and painting. She studied in Paris - NY Studio School with Elaine DeKooning, Wayne Thiebaud, and George Spaventa. She has studied at the Corcoran School of Art in DC and Anderson Ranch in CO.
Firestone’s studio is at home in Chevy Chase, MD and Santa Barbara, CA. She has shown nationally and internationally. She has sculptures in collections in 10 states and China and had solo shows at the American University Museum and with Zenith Gallery in Washington, DC. She received The Gaia Prize for her permanently installed piece in Potomac Overlook Park in Arlington, VA.
Firestone was President of the Washington Sculptors Group from 2004-2009 and continues to serve on the Board of Directors as Treasurer. She co-founded the Westside Arts Center, a nonprofit arts organization in Santa Monica, CA 1980-1990. She considers promoting the importance of art/sculpture in the community as important as making her own work.
PRESS
“While affixed solidly, the forms implied piercing and penetration, a movement in and out of their containment, suggesting waves and water……… Her dreamscape pulled the viewer into a shared experience of awareness – neither hopeful or threatening – that reflected the simple inevitability of our evolution.” - Rima Schulkind, Sculpture, June 2012
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
Poetic Dimensions of Symbols and Shapes, Zenith Gallery Oct. – Jan. 2013, Exhibition in lobby at 1111 Pennsylvania Ave, NW Washington, DC.
Seismic Dream, a sculpture & sound installation at American University Museum, Sylvia Berlin Katzen Sculpture Garden, Sept. 2011 – Jan. 2012
Arlington Arts Center - Outdoor Sculpture in Arlington, VA in 2006
Creative Partners Gallery, Solo Show, Bethesda, MD in 1999
COLLECTORS INCLUDE
BUSNESSES: Amazon.com, Herndon, VA, Independence Complex, Liberty Property Trust, Greenville, SC, Montgomery College, Rockville, MD, Potomac Overlook Regional Park, Arlington, VA
INDIVIDUALS: Gaston Caperton, Charleston, WV, Palmer and Joe Dorn, Washington, DC, Anne & Gus Edwards, Culpeper, VA, David & Pat Fisher, West River, MD, Charles Gibbs & Stephanie Stockwell, Charleston, SC, Allan Gerson & Joan Nathan, Wash, DC, Jane Gottlieb & David Obst, Santa Barbara, CA, Debby & Peter Harvey, Potomac, MD, Lisa See and Richard Kendall, Aspen, CO, Albert Kramer and Ruth Jaeger, Wash, DC, Ellen Gleberman & David Laufer, McLean, VA, John & Susan Marks, Washington, DC, Margaret & Paul Meyer, San Diego, CA, Sandy Libby & John Rendon, Strong, ME, Eleanor Ringel & Arthur Cater, Atlanta, GA, Lea & Tim Shuba, Alexandria, VA, and Mr. and Mrs. John Sutton, Washington, DC.
EXHIBITIONS (last five years)
2013
Finalist, Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital outdoor sculpture competition
Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit, The Portsmouth VA Art & Cultural Center, March-Nov.
2012
Poetic Dimensions of Symbols and Shapes, Zenith Gallery Oct. – Jan. 2013 Solo Exhibition in lobby at 1111 Pennsylvania Ave, NW Washington, DC.
2011
Seismic Dream, a sculpture & sound installation at American University Museum, Sylvia Berlin Katzen Sculpture Garden, Sept. 2011 – Jan. 2012
Ripple Effect Sculpture Exhibition, Morven Museum & Garden, Princeton, NJ, Sept.Nov.
2010
Discover What’s Outside, Salisbury, NC, March 2010 - Feb. 2011
Arts in Foggy Bottom, Neighborhood Assoc, Shirley Koller, juror, DC May-Oct.
Chevy Chase Village Hall, Sally Troyer, juror, April-May
Porous Borders, Historical Society of Washington, Jayme McLellen, juror, Sept.-Dec.
2009
Flora: Growing Inspirations, US Botanic Garden, Washington, DC, May – Oct.
Sculpture on the Grounds 2009, Rockville, MD Civic Center June – Oct.
Reform, Workhouse Gallery at Lorton Arts Center, VA Claire Huschle, May –June
National Outdoor Sculpture Competition, juror, David Furchgott, N Charleston, SC
Chevy Chase Village Hall, Sally Troyer, juror, April-May
