Donald Patten
From an Interview with Donald Patten: I was born and raised in the Mid-Coast region of Maine, and since I can remember, lighthouses, blueberries, and bright red lobsters have been the subjects of many stereotypical “Maine artworks''. There is a problematic belief that Maine artists must only use stereotypical Maine subjects to have any semblance of commercial success. Every artwork I produce is in defiance of that belief. I make oil paintings and ceramic artworks, whose subjects are not associated with Maine stereotypes. I strive to make either joyful or horrific art as I feel is necessary, and I continue making such artworks to hopefully inspire others to openly make the art they want to make.