Meet Paul Solevad | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Paul Solevad and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Paul, as a parent, what do you feel is the most meaningful thing you’ve done for them?
As a father of two, I feel I’ve raised my children (now young adults, 18 & 22) to be the most individualistic and creatively self aware people they can be. I believe this happened organically simply due to the nature of my wife and I both being artists and the type of nurturing and accepting family that we are. I’ve always encouraged the kids to be true to themselves and follow what inspires them and that true success in this life is living in gratitude, honesty, and care.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My work is an exploration in “neo expressionism” and draws on intuition and evolution from my practict of drawing.
I consider myself to be self taught apart from graduating with a degree in painting. I spent 6 months during my time in college in Glasgow, Scotland and I have always felt this time abroad to be the catalyst of my painting “career”. It was a period of intense creative freedom and exploration and it helped shape my overall vision and discipline as an artist in general. I deeply love the practice and mindset of painting and drawing and always remind myself that the most honest and true interpretation in an artist’s work is what speaks the strongest to others. My artistic career has been one of a multitude of creative jobs that have not always been directly linked to my painting, but I’ve maintained a creative work ethic and output throughout the years, which I feel is ultimately the lesson learned. Persistence and dedication to one’s passion and a life in honor to this and in some way or another, inspiring others in this creative servitude is the story I like to tell.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
A visit to Bellingham, Wa. in the Pacific NW offers a huge activity checklist. I would spend several days taking a friend around the notable areas of town, sketching in local coffee shops, walking the waterfront pathways, then spending the late afternoons/evenings checking out the multitude of breweries and terrific restaurants. The trip would warrant a handful of day treks down thru the gorgeous San Juan Islands, packing lunches and stopping at numerous parks and beaches, along with a drive up to scenic Mt. Baker for an elevated experience in the North Cascades mountain range. The diversity of ocean and mountain adventure is endless in this amazing part of the country.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to recognize two fellow artists in my creative journey who’ve been the foundation of support, friendship, companionship and inspiration. The first is my wife Kama Solevad, a photographer, designer, gardener, friend and overall creative “light”.
The other is my friend and painter “comrade”, Todd Scalise, whom I’ve admired and respected as a tremendous artistic talent for many years. I “shoutout” these two wonderful individuals, because they continue to always support and encourage me to keep pushing the limits of my painting and creative pursuits, to remain steadfast and determined in this practice, and to ultimately live my voice to its utmost potential.

Website: https://www.paulsolevad.com

Instagram: psolevadart

Linkedin: Paul Solevad