August 2016
“Artist Interview with Paula Gibbs, of Palm Springs, CA. She talks about her abstract metal wall art, including her mid-century modern artworks.”
So it isn’t Time or People Magazine. But my nice little interview, Artist Interview with Paula Gibbs, gives me more presence on the internet. That is what I was going for. Besides, it was kind of fun answering all those questions.I really had to really think about many of my responses.
>>I am posting the full interview here because the page on which I interview was posted no longer exists. 🙁
Tell us about your art.
My current art media is metal-on-wood. I use raw sheet metal, and “artify” it.
What attracted me to metal as an art medium was my long-time fascination with its substantial-ness and the way in which it ages and develops this interesting patina.
My metal art is a representation of the many faces of metal, a material we humans utilize every day. There is metal that is shiny and smooth and there is the stuff that is mangled and rusted. It is such a substantial material, yet it can still be a casualty of the forces of Mother Nature.
In particularly, I have pieces inspired by discards of our throw-away society; entire vehicles left to rot, old signs with faded paint laying in a ditch next to the highway. The patina that develops on these discarded objects inspires me. I find beauty in these items that most people would consider merely trash.
How long have you been an artist and how did you get started?
The most relevant thing about me as an artist is that I started creating art later in life. In 2012, with no symptoms, I suddenly developed severe pneumonia. I was physically active and it turned out that I was running and biking for at least a week while I had it. I ended up in emergency where they found a grapefruit-size infection in my chest cavity. Had it spread into my blood stream I would have been dead in a few hours.
After 10 awful days in the hospital, which included a fun weekend in ICU, and invasive thoracic surgery, I was released. The next day, feeling 100 years old and wondering how I was going to get through my recovery, I was struck by this epiphany that I needed to explore being creative and delve into art. Up to that point, I had accepted the fact that my brother inherited the “artist genes”, not me. Never, ever was I artistic; not at all. Nope, not a bit. Art was never a consideration before that day.
I spent my recovery time researching art mediums, like mosaics, glass, and resin. I did not go into metal immediately. It was definitely an educational journey to get to where I am today.
How would you describe your art and your style?
I would love to simply call it modern abstract art. But “modern art” refers to a period of art that ended in the 1970’s. So, I go with the more practical description: aluminum, painted and exposed, , mounted on wood. Beyond that, my designs can differ a greatly. Some of my designs are brightly painted, some distressed, others pieces are layered with translucent paint creating a vibrant luminescent affect. My most recent piece, Penthouse Party, is yet another design exploration. It is mid-century modern in design and color, with lots of sanded aluminum left exposed. It is very striking.
For every piece, I start with raw sheet metal, aluminum to be exact. After that things can go in many different directions, from cutting strips for a metal weave, or distressing it with bumps and folds, or painting on multiple layers of enamel and sanding only through certain layers, to splashing on layers of ink for one of my industrial / graffiti pieces. They all start with raw sheet metal and end up being mounted on a wood panel for hanging.
Do you feel you are a creative person?
It is kind of funny. Never have I considered myself creative, even now. I have no idea where the designs for my art come from. Sometimes I look at a piece of my art hanging on my wall and I ask myself, where the heck did I get that idea?
What I find very ironic is when people tell me I am so creative. They go on to say they could never be that creative. I am thinking to myself, hey, that is my line! I have said it many times.
Do you feel metal art is more work than painting a canvas?
I could get myself in trouble here, couldn’t I? First, I will say that I am not a painter by any stretch of the imagination. That is a talent and skill l definitely lack. I am jealous of artists who can paint.
I will say this; working in metal requires a lot of physical work. The initial sanding of both sides of 25 feet of metal will make anyone’s arms tired, and that is with a power sander. Then measuring, maneuvering and cutting the metal, the first cleaning, then hand sanding, second cleaning, while avoiding being sliced to shreds by the razor-sharp edges. All of that preparation happens before one drop of paint goes on.
Are you working on any art projects right now?
I just finished two abstract metal art pieces that I entered into a juried art show, hosted by the Palm Springs Art Museum. This is my first time submitting art for this show. I am very excited about it, even though I don’t know if my art has been selected. The opening is a big event. It is very well attended, and the people-watching is fabulous. I really hope one of my pieces gets selected. Then I will really enjoy one of my favorite parties of the year.
What should we expect next from you?
My immediate plan is to create more pieces like Penthouse Party, my mid-century modern style piece. For a year I have been studying how to create mid-century modern pieces, but did not want it to look contrived, as though I am trying too hard to achieve that look. I finally designed and created Penthouse Party. I am very happy with the result and want to design more in this style.
I will also continue to make my industrial graffiti pieces. They are a lot of fun to create and I believe they will resonate with my collectors. I want to refine and deepen the graffiti look. I am very attracted to the whole street art look.
What’s your favorite accessory or tool you use in your art making process?
Denatured Alcohol is my favorite item. I use it for so many purposes. It even removes some paint yet I don’t have to wear a mask while using it.
First, “DA” is an effective cleaner to prep my metal before painting. Then, it’s the perfect solution that allows me to selectively remove top layers of paint to revel the contrasting layers below.
Where can we find your work?
Earlier this year, I was selected for a month-long show through the Palm Springs Art Museum, hosted at the Palm Springs Saguaro Hotel. Past history but I just had to mention it. As I said earlier, I recently submitted two artworks for a huge show in October for members of the Palm Springs At Museum’s Artists Council. It is a juried show, so I am waiting to hear if either piece is accepted.
I have not yet solicited any galleries, and I’m not sure that I want to. I like selling online and doing the occasional Art Museum show. So except for the upcoming Palm Springs Art Museum show, my art does not hang in any physical space except the walls of my home in Palm Springs. I must say, I really like the way they look there.
I do sell my art online. I have a substantial “gallery” on Etsy.com and on EBay.com. Also, I post a lot of art on my Instagram account. You can look me up on both sites under PaulaGibbsArt. And, you can find me on Facebook and many other social media sites under PaulaGibbsArt. The only drawback of selling on line is there are no art openings. I love art openings, especially when they are for my art!
Any websites or social media we can check out?
My website is http://paulagibbsart.com/