Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul Guillemette.
Paul, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Since I was a kid, I have always gravitated towards making things with my hands. It wasn’t until college when a professor told me that I was an artist that I considered art as a career path. Shortly after that, my work started getting a lot of attention and I was asked to be in museum and gallery shows in Montana, where I lived. I have pretty much just put one foot in front of the other and made life decisions based on the ability to keep myself in the studio making art. I make wood and resin jewelry and furniture as well.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I think my road has been normal, sometimes smooth, sometimes not. The only real struggle throughout the years has been at times wanting to quit making art and find a stable income, but when that internal drama subsides I always find myself back in the studio. Making jewelry and furniture and being an art installer has been the most sane way for me to try and balance making a living and still create.
Paul Guillemette Art – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am a bricoleur. I use a lot of everyday materials that cross my path — stuff that falls out of trees, things people are throwing out. I just see things lying around that look beautiful to me, and I pick them up and bring them home. What I hear from others most is, “I have never seen work like yours before” – whether it be my Palm Tree Inflorescence sculptures, wood and resin art, jewelry or one-of-a-kind furniture pieces.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
A lot of great stuff falls out of trees! I probably love the weather the most. It makes it possible for an artist with a small garage studio to work with his door open, with natural light using the outdoors as part of his studio. I love the diversity of people, the ocean being close, the amazing food choices, and the fact that even after the many years of living here, I still find myself discovering new parts of the greater LA area. Least – the traffic of course.
Contact Info:
- Website: paulguillemette.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guillemettewoodjewelry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.guillemette
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
