I began sewing in 1965. My mother was my teacher, as my grandmother had taught my mother, and my great grandmother had taught my grandmother. In 1974, my last year in high school, I decided to become a fashion designer, as it was the only career I could think of, that would allow me to earn a living having something to do with what I love the most... sewing.
I dropped all my academic courses and took nothing but art. I attended Virginia Commonwealth University for two years and then moved to New York City to attend Parson's School of Design. I started my first clothing company in 1980 and have been self employed ever since.
In 1995, I invented a body of work that continues to captivate my attention, called Fotopiecings. It is a marriage of my quilt work and my photographic work. The cutting up and reassembling of my fotographs allow me to personalize my imagery and create an atmosphere of mediation and quiet. I use commercially produced bass wood box substrates… stain, sand & lacquer a multitude of colors, adhere archival digital pigment print fotos to the wood, using an archival book binding glue and then spray a finish of lacquer on top. It has its own website @ FotoTorno.com
In 1999, I started my line of “Fun Fleece” blankets, hats and scarves that, along with my “Eclectic Clothing” line, I consider to be my production work… both are full of comfort & ease… Watching all my gals trying on clothes has helped me to become a much better designer! There is such a wide variety of body shapes and sizes… it is so fun to see how what i do fits them all! (pretty much!)
In 2002, I moved back to CURVE studios in Asheville, NC . I have had all of my work displayed in my studio since then.
It is now 2021. This past year has been a challenge to say the least, so i am taking three months off from my normal “Open Monday thru Saturday, 11am to 4pm” to give myself some grace. I am not as young as i used to be and am feeling it! From December 1, 2021 to February 28, 2022, my hours are by chance or by appointment… you can always call ahead to make an appointment or take your chances & call when you are standing in front of my door if i am not open … if the lights are on inside, i am here … Know that i am going to try to be open normal hours on Fridays and Saturdays but i hope to be doing some traveling to visit family and make more fotos!
3 River Arts Place
Asheville, NC 28801
pattiytorno@gmail.com
828.388.3526
Hours:
Sunday: closed
Monday: by chance / by appointment
Tuesday: by chance / by appointment
Wednesday: by chance / by appointment
Thursday: by chance / by appointment
Friday: by chance / by appointment
Saturday: by chance / by appointment