I am an abstract artist, designer, and master printer whose work is grounded in intuition, emotion, and a deep connection to the natural world. Inspired by the patterns, colors, rhythms, and movement found in nature, I explore themes of balance and contrast—action and reaction, spirit and matter, chaos and harmony. Trees, shadows, water, wind, and light often emerge in my work, evoking the invisible threads that connect all living things.

My primary medium is monotype, a process that allows for both spontaneity and precision. I begin by painting directly onto a Plexiglas plate, using fluid, intuitive gestures. While the paint is still wet, I lay thin Asian paper over the surface and rub it from the back, transferring the image onto the paper in a single, unique impression. This technique lets me capture the energy of the moment while embracing the unpredictability of the transfer. I create many monotypes in this way, and carefully select the ones that best reflect my vision.

Some of these monotypes are presented as works on paper; others are transformed into illuminated sculptural forms. My interest in handmade Asian papers—and their texture, translucency, and responsiveness to light—led me to experiment with shaping the prints into cylindrical forms. When lit from within, these become luminous lamps that reveal the layered imagery and subtle qualities of the paper. Each piece becomes a meditation on light, nature, and emotion—art that glows from within.

Every work, whether hanging on a wall or glowing softly in a space, is part of a larger family—united by process, material, and a desire to express the deep interconnection of life.

Patricia Branstead