
About Paula McDowell
Artist’s Statement
I am a jewelry artist, and I create jewelry objects that echo the love I have for nature featuring textures, forms, and movement.
Years ago, when my creativity was longing to be expressed, I started investigating a number of jewelry techniques. None satisfied my need, or let me express myself, until I found Metal Clay.
Metal Clays contain microscopic particles of metal carried in a clay-like binder. This allows the artist the ability to work with the material in its wet state much like a potter works with pottery clays. In its dry state, the material can be carved, drilled, cut and re-assembled into new objects, somewhat like a woodworker. And once the object is subjected to a firing cycle in a kiln, the result is an object of metal in which traditional metal smithing techniques used by bench jewelers can be applied to continue to manipulate the object. I am fascinated both by the technological minutiae of how this happens, but also with the ability to continue to affect the object as it progresses through its various states.
I generally make one-of-a-kind items, or related items in a series. Since each piece is hand sculpted, even items that are similar to each other will have significant variations in texture, pattern and shape.
I also have a strong need to communicate my love of the material to others, and I offer classes in these materials. While I focus on the technical use of the materials, I allow my students creative freedom to implement the skills. This helps me createa a community in which ideas are shared, and support is freely given.
Artist’s Biography
Originally from a small town in northwestern Ohio, I started my career with a bachelor’s degree in computer science. Throughout my 20+ year software and human resources career, I found that interacting with people, mentoring and teaching resonated strongly with me.
In 1999, while looking for an outlet for my creativity, I took up metal smithing. While my initial results were frustrating, I quickly was introduced to metal clay and found my medium. In 2004, I left the software world to focus on my jewelry business. I am fortunate to have a very supportive husband, James McDowell, also an artist who continuously encourages me to develop my skills and creativity.
I also hold certification in Precious Metal Clay (PMC) from Rio Rewards and PMC Connection, as well as being an Art Clay Silver Level One Instructor. I completed a 10-month accreditation program with Hadar Jacobson, creator of Hadar’s Clays. In December 2013, I was awarded “Hadar’s Clay Accredited Teacher”, an accreditation that demonstrates a depth of knowledge in Hadar’s bronze, copper and steel metal clays.
I attend workshops each year to continue my education and learn new methods. I have attended workshops with some of the best instructors in metal clay as well as metalsmithing. I also like to delve into other art forms as a way to broaden my abilities.
Community, and in particular, creative community, is very important to me. In 2011, along with 3 other close colleagues, I formed L’esprit du Metal, The Louisiana Chapter of Metal Clay, to promote metal clay and support its artists. As president, I built the organization with meetings, presenters and guest instructors.
In 2013, I took on the role of President of the Lafayette Art Association to help drive fund-raising. As an all-volunteer organization that receives very little outside funding, it’s important that I give back my time and expertise to an organization that has provided great support to me,
In 2017, Paula worked with a small group of colleagues, Wendy McManus, Lis-el Crowley and Nan Josephson, to form the Alliance for Metal Clay Arts Worldwide, Inc. (AMCAW). AMCAW is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to encourage a flourishing international metal clay community by nurturing artistic and instructional excellence and providing resources to inspire, engage and support artists of all levels. AMCAW is primarily staffed by volunteers from around the globe to deliver benefits to its membership including tutorials, virtual guild meetings, learning resources and in-person and on-line learning events.
Certifications and Memberships



