How to dwell between different worlds, exploring the connections between human nature and the micro universe of fungi, that is what the Philippines self-taught artist Pat Frades has been exploring and revealing with her detailed organic artworks made of different types of materials including polymer clay. Her work often fuses mushrooms with human body parts, evoking a whimsical and otherworldly aesthetic.
Inspired by psilocybin mushrooms and their mind-altering effects, her art reflects a deeper connection between humans and nature we decided to explore.
Initially focused on graphite illustrations, Pat shifted towards working with clay and exploring the art of sculpture. “Working with polymer clay has opened many doors for me to explore and has helped me discover my style as an artist,” says Pat, allowing her to develop a vision of a surreal and vibrant color palette that combines bold and soft tones to evoke playfulness and whimsy, immersing viewers in a dreamlike, otherworldly atmosphere which fits perfectly with her fungi universe.
When the pandemic was casting its shadow over the world, Pat Frades found the perfect environment to emerge as a full-time artist. This shift was particularly influenced by the closure of the gallery where she worked, as she pointed out: “I worked as a gallerist for five years, gaining valuable knowledge in both the business and creative sides of the art scene.”
Building upon that experience, Pat started her own journey and got to create these surreal, playful sculptures centered around mushrooms, blending vibrant colors, intricate details, and unexpected forms.
All the steps led her through different opportunities - showcasing her work internationally in China, Korea, and Spain, and participating in different enriching collaborations with other artists showing that her artwork is able to grow in depth, creatively. From a photography project with Aia Solis that turned her own body into a canvas for mushroom growth, to a central feast-like table, edible creations by Chef Iyay Ignacio.
Currently, Pat's work focuses on the life of fungi and how they play a vital role in the ecosystems, from their symbiotic relationships with plants to their decomposition processes. “Through my art, I aim to celebrate these intricate connections and invite viewers to appreciate fungi as essential players in life,” Pat explains.
Inspired by the 2013 PlayStation game The Last of Us and its narrative, Pat found motivation in creating a colorful yet bizarre interpretation of fungi, exploring its related topics such as the stigma with psilocybin mushrooms and their use.
Pat’s future goal is to further develop her style by experimenting with various mediums, including ceramics, air-dry clay, and polymer clay, blending techniques to refine their creative expression, since “polymer clay sculptures have been fundamental in shaping my artistic journey,” as she says.
Pat's fungi creations made with air-dry clay. The previous artworks were all made from polymer clay or mixed media.
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