Coyne’s work spans multiple mediums, including painting, sculpture, and installation. Her artistic practice is characterized by a focus on the human condition, exploring themes of identity, community, and the complexities of human relationships.

The Early Years

Petah Coyne was born in 1953 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Growing up in a family of modest means, Coyne’s early life was marked by a strong sense of community and resourcefulness. Her parents, both artists themselves, encouraged her creative pursuits from a young age. Coyne’s early work was heavily influenced by the Abstract Expressionist movement, which emphasized the process of creating art over the final product. Coyne’s early artistic endeavors were largely self-taught, with a focus on painting and drawing. She was heavily influenced by the works of artists such as Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning. Coyne’s early work was characterized by a sense of spontaneity and experimentation, reflecting her desire to break free from traditional artistic conventions.

The Development of Her Practice

As Coyne’s artistic practice evolved, she began to explore new mediums and techniques. In the 1980s, she turned her attention to sculpture and installation, creating large-scale works that explored the relationship between the individual and the environment. Coyne’s sculptures often featured found materials and natural forms, which she would manipulate and transform to create complex, layered compositions.