I grew up surrounded with books, music and art in its many splendid forms. When the time came to choose, I chose words. Then I was handed a camera and realised I was rushing the interviews to get to the pictures. Soon afterwards I started freelancing as a writer and photographer. Then life handed me the arid Karoo and I found joy and peace in the mesmerising pools of watercolour.
I love the medium’s immediacy, spontaneity and its so-called “unforgiving” nature. I experiment a lot with different supports, grounds and textures as it opens up so many possibilities and challenges me to see how far I can stretch a tool, the medium and myself. Buyers and visitors have described my work as “mysterious”, “haunting”, “gentle, yet powerful”, and a beautiful Afrikaanse “onstuimig”. One friend said he would be able to look at my paintings for years and still wonder about it. Still have questions.
I suppose in that sense my work is very personal and honest as it’s an outpouring of what’s going on inside. And that is many, many questions. Watercolour has been called the ‘master’s medium’. All I know is the pursuit of mastering it is pure delight. And it probably has the right to be unforgiving. After all, it does half the work for you – if you trust and let go.
Contact Paula on 072 238 7804
Studio 17 de Beer Street
Website www.paulabeezhold.co.za
