Finding a harmonious language between drawing, printmaking and painting, Paula Menchen experiments with each material deconstructing the surface and transforming each medium and their rules into one. Having majored as a painter at University, she uses painting as a means of experimentation, playing with the ideas of vast spaces typically using landscape and seascapes as inspiration and a starting point. She is not looking for a formula to reproduce but rather a constant curiosity with a sense of discovery.
Self-taught or art school?
I graduated from Otis Art Institute of Parsons School of Design.
If you could own one work of art what would it be?
Gordon Matta-Clark Bronx Floor.
How would you describe your style?
With an eclectic mix of materials and mediums, my style varies; however if you come face to face with one of my works you would undoubtedly know who the author is.
Can you tell us about your artistic process?
I have been researching all kinds of techniques on paper. Stencilled, stamped, dyed and resist techniques creating a palette of colour and textures. I combine the tactility of Japanese Washi Paper with painting and printmaking to create intricate patterns and layered surfaces. Transforming the material and physical surface by building up and deconstructing the surface. This material rawness gives a sense of vulnerability and disclosure.
Is narrative important within your work?
More than a narrative I would say the dialogue of materials is paramount to my work.
Who are your favourite artists and why?
Mark Rothko, Kerry James Marshall, Yayoi Kasuma, Gordon-Matta Clark, Team Lab, Studio Drift, James Turrell, Joan Mitchell…..and the list goes on. Any Artist who is thought-provoking and prolific!
What or who inspires your art?
Curiosity and the element of surprise! The tactility and texture of my work, mixing mediums and techniques creating a dialogue within the ideas of painting and resulting in an evocative layered work.
Where’s your studio and what’s it like?
My studio is my sanctuary, Light and Bright, with No windows but one door that leads to the outside. I´m on move again soon, to Minneapolis, where I will have a studio in The Northrup King Building. I am looking forward to being in a creative collective space once again. It reminds me of when I had my studio in London at SFSA.
Do you have any studio rituals?
I always make a cup of hot tea to begin, in winter it makes sense; but Summers in Spain which are scorching hot, it appears a little odd.
What are you working on currently?
I am working on a series of paintings Electric Fences, Stained Glass Windows, Evoking ideas of what we protect and what we don´t allow inside our sanctuaries. A sacred space with shocking repercussions.
Where can we buy your art?
At the moment you can buy featured works from this show (The FLUX Review -V2) or directly from my website www.paulamenchen.com. I also have fine art reproduction on selected works available with Level 57. Very soon a selection of work with be available at Art Resources Gallery, Minneapolis.
