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November 2018
Artist Interview Paul Hunter |
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Paul Hunter paints luminous abstract landscapes on gold, bronze, copper and aluminum leaf covered canvasses. The sheen of the underlain metals glows from beneath the transparent color through which the artist etches row upon row of finely drawn lines to create undulating waves. The viewer’s gaze can follow these uninterrupted lines as they flow across the field of color with a focused intensity. Paul Hunter is interested in merging reading, writing and recording into a form of seeing that, like reading, and listening takes place over time as in a musical score. According to the artist “viewers can visually read my paintings and interact with them at a level beyond comprehension, description, and narrative.” He has shown in solo and group exhibitions world wide, including many museums, and his is work is in private, corporate and museum collections. He has also received numerous awards. Born in Paris, France, Paul Hunter grew up in Quebec City, and earned an MFA at Concordia University, Montreal, before moving to New York City, where he continues to work in his Harlem studio. At what point in your life did you know that you wanted to become an artist? Did the realization emerge slowly? My parents met in fine arts school. I knew I was an artist since I was five years old. After my parents exhibited my first paintings in the entrance of our vestibule, the rest is history. How did you evolve your style and favorite mediums? Like stairs, one step follows the next one. I have always found that my paintings evolve from those created earlier. While I began my career as an artist working primarily with acrylic on canvas covered with metal leafs, I have now found new and innovative ways to work with gold leaf and other metals. What are your time management techniques? Do you have regular working hours...or favorite times to work? It’s simple, I go to my studio every day. If I am not inspired, I prepare my canvas for when I get inspired. Do you work on more than one piece at a time, or primarily just on one? The process of creating works of art with gold and metal leafs involves many steps. To expedite the process, I prepare many canvases at the same time. Still, once a canvas is prepared, I give it my full attention, focusing solely on one work at a time. Once it is completed, I never go back. What would you say is your biggest influence -- that which keeps you working, regardless of all else, your most steadfast motivation? Nature. Even when I am outside of my studio, I cannot avoid thinking about how I can incorporate the landscape around me into a new project. Because of that, I never leave the house without a sketchbook and a few fountain pens. Does trying something new and not knowing the rules -- the boundary pushing -- create anxiety or excitement in you? (Or both?) I try to never repeat myself. I am always trying something new. Do you enjoy having the "duality of both chaos and control" or are you happiest with a set plan? I work in complete chaos! My studio is a mess. It is only when I paint that I see I have complete control of my world. With my paintings, I try to have a dialogue with acrylic paint and light. Do you have any projects or events forthcoming? I am always looking for new places and people to promote my work. Currently, I am planning a new project in Northern Quebec. Details forthcoming. www.paulhunterart.com [email protected] |
Libretto Amygdala #BL
40” x 60” aluminum leaf, acrylic on canvas 
Libretto Amygdala #BD
20” x 30” aluminum leaf, acrylic on canvas 
Libretto Amygdaia #BF
20" x 24" aluminum leaf, acrylic on canvas 
Portée #P
22" x 30" watercolor, acrylic on paper |