Meet Paul Carola: Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Paul Carola and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Paul, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
Herman Melville said “It is better to fail in originality, than to succeed in imitation”. I always liked this quote as its a great reminder that perhaps ones work will not bring them riches and notoriety, but they can look back with pride knowing that what they did create was unlike anything else that came before… uniqueness equals real power regardless of any external recognition. 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
About my work: The female figure has a strong influence on my work. The forms and predominately curved elements in my work have come from imitating various parts of their body. Lessons Ive learned: (1) Master your materials. Learn how they behave and understand them. (2) Never stop exploring, experimenting, and examining. (3) Be true to yourself and others. (4) Absolutely strive to be unique

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Houston has a wonderful art scene and it has grown tremendously over the last year with new museums being built in addition to the MFAH and Menil. I have nice memories down on the Galveston Coast so if you are cool with brown oceans then perhaps we will take a trip down there. As for restaurants… Im the last person to ask as Im not a food person. Someone once said to me that I “eat to live, not live to eat”.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Wassily Kandisky, Piet Mondrian, Constantin Brancusi, Indiana Jones and Jordan B. Peterson have played a big part in my life. Japanese craftsmanship and principles, Egyptian mythology and artifacts and various tribal art have all inspired me as well.

Website: paulcarola.com
Instagram: @paulcarola.ig