BIRTHPLACE:   London BIRTH YEAR:   1974 LIVES IN:   NY PHONE:   970 376 1577

WEBSITE:   http://www.paulseftel.com SCHOOLS:   University of Edinburgh, 1997, MFA REPRESENTING GALLERIES:   Broadfoot & Broadfoot, 62 greene st, soho TAGS:   painting, abstraction, metal, patina, spiritual

As long as I can remember, I have been an artist. My artwork is an evolution, an organic exploration. I work with a wide range of materials including Oil, Venetian Plaster, waxes, acrylic, metallic pigments and patina chemicals, lacquer and glazes.

I look to capture illusive moments, create atmospheres and express feelings, to create something of beauty that expresses the inevitable changes life holds.

I enjoy producing works that have surprising contrast and subtle beauty whilst never forgetting the nature of life in flux, decay and the inevitable passing of all things. I grasp to capture these changing moments, to hold the essence of transformation as it is caught in time, and preserve it. Inspired by ancient cultures, from the art and artifacts of the ancient Chinese, the Egyptians and the Mayans, my work is equally a reflection of the tarnishing of time upon culture, and emphasis of the spirit of what remains in a soulful consideration of what I believe to be a timeless essence. It is not intended to be derivative, just evocative of a personal sensibility as I take to heart the lives of our cultural ancestors, and hold true to what remains. The inherent passing represented, plays upon the mind to find sense in the gestures, ghosted images being seen within the formlessness, which as a complex parallel narrative, is indicative of the effect of the elements upon ourselves and the environment. It is a form of spiritual alchemy, the deeper one looks into one self, the more one is able to experience in the work.  My palette remains a vivid reflection of the ancient materials, minerals and the relative connection that they have with our bodies, the earth and the interrelatedness of people and culture throughout time.

 

 

 

 I was born 1974. My formative years in London,  I traveled independently before starting an MA in Fine Art at Edinburgh University and College of Art, Scotland. Further punctuating my experience with extensive travel, I have lived in many different environments to broaden my vision and artistic talent. My recurring homes have been in the New Mexico high deserts, the Colorado Rocky Mountains, London and NYC.

I have worked creatively in many different worlds. From high budget and independent film productions in London, as an art dept. assistant and background artist to multi million dollar homes and commercial venues across the US, where I’ve been commissioned  to create unique and sometimes extravagant custom decorative finishes, using traditional and contemporary specialty paints and plasters.