Marilyn Petch
Artist Bio
I was born and raised in Oakland, California. From the time I could hold a pencil, my love of nature expressed itself by creating imagery of the natural world around me. As a teenager and in my freshman year of college, I studied at what was then called The California College of Arts and Crafts. I attended the University of California, Berkeley, and graduated with a bachelors degree in Art. My art work as an undergraduate was primarily figurative, and Joan Brown was my faculty advisor. To support myself after my undergraduate degree, I worked at the University of California and then after receiving a masters degree in Occupational Therapy from San Jose State University, I worked in health care physical rehab settings. In 2005 my career took another turn as I began experimenting with textiles. I created and sold felted wearable-art wraps that could also serve as home decor. They were exhibited and sold in boutique venues and in artwear shows/sales in San Francisco galleries and at the deYoung Museum. The past few years I have come home to my passion of drawing and water coloring. My inspiration and imagery comes from wildlife — birds, mammals, botanicals — as well as many of the animal companions that have graced my life and the lives of friends.