We had the good fortune of connecting with Patric Stillman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Patric, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
The Studio Door began with a mixture of passion, dreams and thoughtfulness. Almost immediately, challenging situations presented themselves and I had to ask myself this exact question. Initially, my hormones kicked in as I felt the tumultuous pull of my own fight or flight response. As I put aside the unanswerable questions surrounding how this unexpected situation took place, I realized that I had to choose the path I would take next. I’m sure I had many options but it felt starkly black and white. Do or Die. Settle into the journey or take another path. To answer the question of whether I should keep going or to give up, I simply asked myself what was truly more important about this moment. I balanced the idea of all that The Studio Door could be with the seemingly insurmountable obstacle in front of me. My thoughts became crystal clear. I didn’t want a “Plan B.” In that moment, I accepted to believe in myself, the people who cared about me, and my desire to succeed. A pivotal moment that empowered me to face many more challenges that would come down the line. In times of uncertainty, take a moment to consider your untapped inner strength. Take account of your resources. Put aside the thoughts of failure. From there, you’ll know the course to take.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
For over six years, The Studio Door has stood as an independent in San Diego’s commercial art industry. Working as a small business, leading by example, the gallery had encouraged and assisted thousands of artists to engage in creative commerce. Each month over 100 artists utilize our storefront to generate sales income through working studios, exhibition & sales, professional development, artist-lead workshops and additional programming that puts money in the pockets of working artists, figure drawing models and local musicians. The challenge of keeping an arts space thriving is a constant. Some of the recurring needs include: • Funding is obviously the most basic need to keep the doors open • Building relationships between artists and patrons • Educating the public on the value of fine art • Helping artists find a professional balance between creating and commerce • Building partnerships that raise up the whole community I often rely on my experiences as an artist to understand how I want the business to function. When faced with day to day challenges, I draw from the same creativity that I put into a canvas. I think its important to rely on experience and not be afraid of trying new things.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For the ultimate weekend, I’d keep close to home. Hillcrest is the heart of my San Diego so I’d start off on the eastend with brunch with friends at Inside Out and then in a good pair of tennis shoes, meander down University Avenue stopping into the small boutiques that I find open with my eyes set on heading over to photograph the Hillcrest Sign and Mural Alley. While there, I’d grab some delicacies from Chocolat and slip over to the Hillcrest Cinemas for a film. As the afternoon sun starts to set, a quick pop over to Urban Mo’s or Martini’s above Fourth to discuss the film over a drink. By then, I could be easily convinced to slip over to Parma Cucina Italiana for a family style meal under the twinkling lights on Fifth Avenue. Afterwards, I would seriously contemplate a visit to Babycakes for something delicious for desert and a little something more for tomorrow’s morning coffee. Then of course, I’d dreamily head over to The Studio Door to finish my night contemplating art. The next day would kick off with breakfast at Snooze in Hillcrest and then an afternoon at the museums of Balboa Park including appetizers at The Prado before heading out to the beach to catch a sunset.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Family, friends and artists have time and time again stood behind me whispering encouragement. Specifically, my team of supporters have included Danné Sadler, Evelyn Loss, Jeff Caffarel, Chris Smith, Crisinda Lyons, Stefan Talian and David Rudd. Their names are as much a part of The Studio Door as is mine. Of course it doesn’t stop there. It keeps going. Their have been so many people who have shown their interest and belief in The Studio Door. Patrons, Artists, Journalists, Educators, Art Organizations, Politicians, Community Leaders and Small Businesses have all taken time to build and share in the success.

Website: http://thestudiodoor.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestudiodoor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/The_Studio_Door
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestudiodoor
Other: Pinterest • https://www.pinterest.com/thestudiodoor/

Image Credits
Courtesy of The Studio Door.