Artist Biography
Paul was born in Santa Barbara, CA. From an early
start he always seemed to be interested in building things and attended
shop classes at school whenever possible. When he was 15, he traveled
to Switzerland where he apprenticed as a Piano Builder and later
as a Church Organ Builder for five years. After his graduation in
1977, he returned to the USA to open up his own shop, building furniture.
He continued to travel to Europe once a year to further his education
in the art of furniture restoration and new furniture design. He
regularly went to a shop in Northern Italy, bringing his own work
and assist on larger marquetry projects, working side by side with
some of the most gifted craftsmen in the world. He also studied
stone inlay in Italy, and was schooled in traditional boatbuilding
in England. This laid the foundation he needed to become the designer
and craftsman he is today.
He currently owns a custom woodworking shop specializing in marquetry
and high-end furniture, producing between 2 and 30 pieces per year.
He enjoys working closely with architects, designers and clients
to create pieces that will fit the needs of the customer and become
an Antique of the Future. Since 1990, he has been active as a teacher
of woodwork, conducting seminars throughout various schools in the
USA, and is dedicated to the task of passing on the knowledge and
skills he has received from the many European masters who have taught
him.
The furniture he creates are inspired by observing nature, seeking
to join form, visual imagery, functionality, and craftsmanship to
produce the well crafted contemporary furniture you see here. He
is constantly experimenting with new shapes, techniques and materials
to further expand his knowledge and continues to evolve in the development
of this art and craft.
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