“Puzzled Inspirations,” an exhibit of paintings, sculptures and collages by Patrick Parise, will open Thursday January 22 at City Art Gallery with a reception for the artist
from 5pm – 8pm. The exhibit continues through February 28, 2015.

Parise comments, “When I work in my studio and get to the end of the day, I see a connection from the previous day’s work and envision how the process will continue the next day. My early work concentrated on etching, where I developed a finished print through a “process of steps,” and the work I’ve produced over the last thirty years has expanded on that process, to the same purpose of developing a composition that is strong with line, form, and color – one stroke at a time or one piece of material overlaying another. I’ve incorporated a practice of repurposing materials on hand to use them in a variety of ways, including etched copper plates overlaid on steel or wood, painting on pieces of glass, overlaying wood veneers, or layering matt board collages. The pieces I’ve created are the result of taking these very ideas, and practices, using a variety of materials to make “Puzzled Inspirations” a show of the finished connection from yesterday’s work.”

Parise’s personal journey as an artist began in his childhood. Born in Brooklyn, NY Patrick showed an aptitude for art from an early age. In high school the young artist developed his drawing, painting and composition skills. He went on to study fine art at Bethany College in Salina, Kansas and then continued at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, where he became interested in printmaking. After finishing his studio art courses at the University, Parise purchased a Charles Brandt Etching Press and opened his own etching studio where he started making original prints. During this period, Parise had several important commissions that would move him towards a full-time career as an artist/printmaker.

Numerous accomplishments include Parise’s selection, among international artists, as a monthly winner of “Your Studio Competition,” Saatchi Gallery, London, England. Parise was chosen to provide 150 etchings depicting South Carolina scene for gifts to foreign dignitaries presented by the S.C. State Development Board. He was commissioned to create seventy-one etchings for a twenty-five-room guesthouse at Houndslake Country Club in Aiken, South Carolina. Parise’s work was selected by the South Carolina Joint Legislative Committee on Cultural Affairs to be awarded to fourteen South Carolina businesses recognized for their contributions to and support of the arts in South Carolina. Parise has also created custom floor designs with inlaid wood and marble in private residences. His participation in the “Palmetto Tree Project” with the Cultural Council of Richland and Lexington Counties of South Carolina brought the second-highest purchase price at auction by Sotheby’s of Chicago, Illinois. Parise’s art has received acclaim on the local, regional, and national levels as well as abroad, and his works are included in museum, corporate and private collections.

City Art Gallery is located at 1224 Lincoln St. in the historic Congaree Vista area in Columbia, South Carolina. Gallery hours are Monday – Thursday 10am-6pm, Friday 10am-5pm and Saturday 11am-3pm. For more information contact Wendyth Wells, City Art Gallery, at 803-252-3613. Visit online at www.cityartonline.com