The Lion King given to Dr. Kochansky...

Patty Abrego

Multi-Disciplinary : Multiple Art Forms ; Visual Arts : Craftsperson , Mixed Media Artist , Painter

Retired RN, earliest artworks were in high school before computers learned hand pencil and ink calligraphy pieces. Worked intermittently for ad agencies lettering certificates. For many years did arts and crafts, counted cross stitch but in 2020 developed tardive dyskinesia with severe tremors and mobility issues due to an adverse medication reaction.

Almost 3 years ago I had a deep brain stimulator implanted and had to learn how to speak, write my name and do fine motor skills. I had occupational therapy for several months and was introduced to Diamond Art painting.

I have since completed over 60 works of this media, one of which I gave to my neurosurgeon, titled The Lion King, he have me my life back.

Summer of 2023 he was a guest speaker at a San Antonio conference where he not only showed my surgery, which was filmed by Methodist, but he shared the detailed work of The Lion King to the other physicians.

I also have gifted a Tiger to my pain radiation physician at the Mays Center, and am in contact with Carol Jinkins,RN to see which of my pieces might work for the new University of Texas Southwest Hospital.

In the Mays center there are 2 large acrylic pour with resin pieces displayed and that is what I am doing now along with the Diamond Art paintings.

My paintings, specifically my Madonnas are often requested and one is in Brownsville, 2 in San Antonio and one in New York, which was blessed by the Archbishop at a mass.

I will be 70 in January and last year I parti ... view more »

I have since completed over 60 works of this media, one of which I gave to my neurosurgeon, titled The Lion King, he have me my life back.

In the Mays center there are 2 large acrylic pour with resin pieces displayed and that is what I am doing now along with the Diamond Art paintings.

My paintings, specifically my Madonnas are often requested and one is in Brownsville, 2 in San Antonio and one in New York, which was blessed by the Archbishop at a mass.

I will be 70 in January and last year I participated in introducing Diamond Art paintings to the Seniors. A patriotic wreath I completed is displayed at the check in spot at The Bob Ross Center. I also assisted with procuring funding for the art program there.

I would love to receive the 7,500.00 grant and would have no trouble completing several works in various colors and styles and media.

Thank you for the opportunity to tell you about my artistic journey.

I also have a Great Aunt who was an artist, Ann Kutka and has a wing with her works displayed I believe at the University of Oregon in Eugene.

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MORE ABOUT THIS ARTIST

Artist Type: Multi-Disciplinary : Multiple Art Forms ; Visual Arts : Craftsperson , Mixed Media Artist , Painter

Artist Style: Teaching Artist/Instructor : Instruction for Seniors ; Visual Art : Abstract , Decorative/Ornamental , Sacred/Liturgical Art ; Diamond Art paintings; Acrylic pour paintings

Artist Medium: Acrylic ; Gold Leaf ; Plastic

Artist Statement of Work

Tell us about your work (style, approach, philosophy, subject and/or theme):

I want to give joy and comfort to those who see my art. I have been interviewed by The Mayes Cancer Center as to why I participate in a clinical trial. As with my tardive dyskenesia I trusted my physicians to follow all option which eventually led to brain surgery. Dr. Kochansky had a team and that team did it’s job. Methodist filmed the surgery for teaching, and I know what it’s like to wait in a room that is just an exam room.

I believe that all art form have an important place in the health care setting where we spend some happy and some serious times of our lives.

I can’t tell you how many old music festival posters are placed in waiting rooms. I know the physicians who have cared enough to create a calm and embracing environment for patients.

I have yet to present a diamond art painting to a recipient who was not amazed at each tiny drill that was placed by hand by me. Each of my works has a small phrase of gold Washi tape that says,

You are loved.