Patssi Valdez

Professor

“If you love art, just don’t give up. Keep doing it and it truly will lead to success.”

“I was installing large art environments in galleries or community space,” says Patssi Valdez. “They were basically low budget because they were my budget.” But her need for artistic expression soon ate up what small amounts of money she had. “Then one day,” she remembers, “a European curator saw my work and asked if I’d like to come to Europe to do it.” Patssi was skeptical, of course. She had never been paid to create. But since then she’s traveled to France, England, Sweden and Spain creating her art.

Born and raised in East Los Angeles, Patssi’s was a determined struggle. “I’ve done mixed media, my installations, performance art and costumes. I worked really hard and suddenly it all seems to be coming together in life.”

A part of her life that she says provides her with balance is the teaching this talented artist does at SMC. “It’s an exciting challenge to be instructing people of all ages.” She teaches a collaborative class with an architect and a designer. “We give students a multi-disciplinary approach to interior and building spaces,” she says.

Patssi received the NEA award in 1989 and since then has mounted shows in major galleries around the country. “And it’s very nice to get some recognition.” With more trips to Europe planned, a busy teaching schedule and her art to produce, she was once asked what she does to relax. Her answer was simple: “I paint.”

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