Paula Dean

My art is a culmination of years of asking myself “what if?” I believe in creativity, imagination and self-expression, and often reflect on the legacy of creative ancestors before me.

I enjoy incorporating layers of fabric, paint, paper, and dye and even sometimes found objects. I approach each new piece with little to no plan that quickly takes a journey down its own path. Everything I create has an intuitive element with the piece taking control and directing each move.

This past year has been focused on exploring my Saboteur and Committee. Working toward quieting those voices I hear that say “you are not good enough.” It brings up so many questions about why I would care more about what someone else thinks than I do my own opinions. Knowing these fears are overblown yet powerless to stop the thoughts. Each of these figures represents an active voice in my life and make up my Committee. Creating this piece allowed me to really analyze the voices I perceive as constantly judging. I am closer to recognizing those voices for what they really are: Voices that don’t deserve the power I’ve given them.

Internal Influence

2022 21x19 Mixed Media NFS studioonthebluff@gmail.com studioonthebluff.com