Northern Illawarra Art Trail chair Edith McNally introduces Pateena Donnelly-Gorissen
Pateena Donnelly-Gorissen is a warm and engaging person, and a multi-discipline artist and art therapist who also enjoys writing poetry.
Pateena is based in serene Stanwell Park, where she explores the intersection of art, spirituality and healing. She is a passionate artist who loves the ability of colour to express emotions and feelings. Through engaging with her artwork, the viewer becomes a part of an internal/external dialogue which the artist seeks to express.
Inspiration for Pateena’s portraiture, landscapes and narrative scenes comes from her experiences, dreams, people and nature. She uses oils, acrylics, encaustic, ink, watercolour, charcoal and pastels.
She also loves the tactile process of sculpting and her studio offers evidence of her artistic versatility.
Pateena started pursuing art as a career change in her late 30s. She studied Fine Arts at James Cook University in Townsville and Creative Arts at the University of Wollongong, where she graduated with distinction. Through her practice, she recognised the role of art in her own spiritual growth, as well as its medicinal power in healing trauma. This led her to study Transpersonal Art Therapy at the College of Complementary Medicine and she went on to receive a Dip Ed in Transpersonal Art Therapy.
Pateena worked as a transpersonal art therapist and counsellor with the Centre for Women’s Health at the Benevolent Society in Campbelltown.
Recently, Pateena opened her Stanwell Park home studio/gallery offering her artworks and prints for sale. She took part in April’s Northern Illawarra Art Trail and was thrilled to share her art with over 200 visitors and sell original paintings and cards. Many visitors indicated a desire to learn about making their own art, so Pateena now plans to hold art classes and paint and sip sessions. She will also offer art therapy and workshops.
Pateena’s journey reminds us that it is never too late to pursue your passion. If you’re in the Stanwell Park area, don’t miss the chance to engage with the artist when the colourful ‘Welcome’ sign is out at her studio at 7 Station Street.
Contact Pateena via info@lillypillystudio.com.au or 0412 317 363.
