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Medium format.
Life writ large.

Artist’s Statement

While I am uncertain about the precise moment photography became intertwined with my life, it has fundamentally shaped my perception of the world and instilled in me a desire to capture the beauty around me. I believe this journey began with my first camera at the age of nine, during a family backpacking trip that took us through remarkable locations such as Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, New Zealand, and various parts of Australia until I turned eleven. During those formative years, I carried a Kodak Instamatic using 110 cartridge films, which marked the inception of my passion for photography. Since then, photography has become an integral part of my identity, influencing my perspective in profound ways. I often find that the most compelling images are those that elude capture, yet I persist in exploring photography regardless of the equipment at my disposal, as my mind continually engages with this art form.

Currently, I find myself in Guadalajara, Mexico, following a two-year residency in Mazatlán. I have brought along my film cameras with the intention of continuing projects initiated during my time in Mazatlán. Each day, I immerse myself in the sights, sounds, views, and aromas of this vibrant city, Mexico's second largest. Although my time here has so far been brief, I have already encountered fascinating aspects of Guadalajara that I aspire to photograph, even amid the city's dynamic environment, where capturing every detail can be overwhelming. I remain observant and open to inspiration, often bringing one of my two cameras to document moments of interest. There is much to learn from this setting, and I recognize the importance of understanding the cultural and linguistic context that informs my photographic practice. I hope you enjoy my captures as much as I have enjoyed creating them.

Exhibitions

SELECTED SOLO EXHIBITIONS

1997
Outsiderinside: Images of China, Pacific Light Impressions, Vancouver, Canada

1993
Artifact: Perception of Reality, Koop Café, Calgary, Canada

SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS

2025
Artwalk Mazatlán, Imaginese Design Studio, Mazatlán, Mexico

2024
Artwalk Mazatlán, El Recreo Theatre, Mazatlán, Mexico

2019
Art and Conflict Resolution, Serafio Gallery, Athens, Greece

2008
Houston Fotofest, Houston, Texas USA

2007
China Under Construction: Contemporary Art from the People's Republic
Deborah Colton Gallery, Houston, Texas, USA
Art Beijing, Contemporary Art Fair, Frontline Contemporary Gallery, Beijing, China
Visual Impressions of China: Digital Works, Bookworm Café, Beijing, China

2003
DNA Visual Art Exhibition, Nanxin Warehouse, Beijing, China
1st Live Art Festival, 798 Factory Space Beijing, China
I am China: Contemporary Photography, Postmodern, SOHO, Beijing, China

2002
Dazzle Contemporary Art Exhibition, Guangzhou Triennial, Guangzhou, China
Liquidation Art Exhibition, Hanmo Gallery, Beijing, China
Recent China Photography, PIP, Pingyao, China
N-Ply Identity Contemporary Art Exhibition, Nanjing, China

1997
Exposed: The Body Revealed, Exposure Gallery, Vancouver, Canada
A Matter of Time, Exposure Gallery, Vancouver, Canada
Eros VIII: Erotic Photography, Exposure Gallery, Vancouver, Canada
Life in the Market: Site-Specific, Eau Claire Market, Calgary, Canada

Education & Experience

EDUCATION

1993
B.A. Honors Program Degree - University of Calgary, Canada
Honors BA in Anthropology (cultural/visual) / Minor in Fine Art (photography)

SELECTED WORK EXPERIENCE

2014
Ai Weiwei-Surveillance, Art and Dissent”, Guest Speaker, ACAD, Calgary, Canada
Ai Weiwei- NEVER SORRY,” Guest Speaker, EPCOR Film Festival, Calgary, Canada

2003
DNA Visual Art Exhibition, Curator / Exhibit Designer, Nanxin Warehouse, Beijing

2002
Chinese Contemporary Art and Artists”, Guest Speaker, ACAD, Calgary, Canada
Professional Photographer, Chinese Performance Artist and Events, Beijing, China

2001
Freelance Conceptual/Documentary Photographer, Beijing, China
Photography Instructor, Raffles International College of Design, Beijing, China

PUBLICATIONS

2019
Volmers, E. Focus on Migrant Workers: Calgary photographer Patterson’s exhibit part of international show in Athens. Calgary Herald. Aug 1. Online.

2007
Kovskaya, M. China Under Construction: contemporary art from the People’s Republic. Published by Futurista Arts Beijing, ISBN: 978-0-9798-1-6. pp 106-107, 126-127.

2004
Rui, H. (ed.) Beijing 798: reflections on art, architecture, and society in China. Published by Timezone 8 + Thinking Hands, ISBN: 988-97262-3-8. pp. 168-170.

2002
Wang, F. (ed.) Peng Kailin and Beijing Station Foreigners. Art Condition: modern art works, life, and situation. Magazine, Beijing, China. Oct. ISBN: 0-89650-109--4. Pp. 26-33.

SELECT CANADA COUNCIL TRAVEL GRANTS

2019
Travel grant awarded for participation in Art and Conflict Resolution, Serafio Gallery, Athens, Greece