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 late 2017, I met with Wendy McManus, Lis-el Crowley and Nan Josephson to create the Alliance for Metal Clay Arts Worldwide, Inc. (AMCAW).
Certifications and Memberships
