Welcome...
Art from the ground up...
I am a mixed media assemblage artist spending my time creatively in Los Angeles, California and in my inspiring, small hide-away of a studio in the Arts District of Las Vegas, Nevada. I have been especially influenced over the years by road trips throughout remote areas of the Southwest and Mexico, inspired by western and Mexican culture, folk imagery and iconography..
Conceptually driven, a significant portion of my work incorporates symbolism, and the majority of the pieces are shrines that celebrate a variety of life's passions. Most larger works may include a light element to honor an idea, mission or persona.
Throughout my work, I am interested in visually addressing the varying sides of ourselves, the push and pull of inner wishes, the things that quicken our hearts. I enjoy exploring the lighthearted as well as the serious and contemplating the complex, juxtaposition of meaning in our dreams, reality and desires.
Working with primarily recycled and found materials, my pieces culminate into a variety of layered elements to create visual narratives. An unexpected mix of objects and vintage finds can be discovered within. I enjoy working with many materials, reflective surfaces, color and textures. The layers create depth into understanding the expression and meaning of the piece.
Other key components may include female mannequin parts, which I love to incorporate as visual storytellers, particularly to convey a feminine energy that celebrates individuality, perseverance and a desire for authenticity and truth.
For me, my work is a personal, passionate and evolving adventure.
My ultimate goal is to share my art with others and allow them the opportunity to delve deeper into the meaning within the work, discover their possible connection to it, and to spread some inspiration around.
Bio...
Paula Dwyer first fell in love with three-dimensional art at a very young age while growing up in Palm Springs, California. inspired by the diverse creative interests of her family, and in particular by a certain 3/D paper-mache road runner process that piqued her interest.
She earned her BA in Art from San Diego University and has had an extensive career in visual merchandising and set design for both local and nationwide companies as well as running her own freelance design business throughout Los Angeles and San Diego. She has received honoraries for visual presentation in both private and citywide juried competitions. One of the highlights of her career has been teaching at FIDM in downtown Los Angeles, where she was able to share her passion for the art of display.
Paula has created and taught recycled art programs for schools, non profit and citywide events promoting earth awareness and conservation. Her passion for mixed media and assemblage in a variety of forms has led her to the personal works that she creates today. Paula has shown her pieces in California, Oregon and Nevada, and is a member of the SCWCA, where she has participated in both live and online local and nationwide exhibitions.