We were lucky to catch up with Paula Christenson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Paula, appreciate you joining us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

Being an artist brings me joy and the freedom to express myself without limitations. I love seeing how my intuition and spontaneity work together, creating unique and dynamic compositions that reflect my life, experiences, travels, emotions, and inner world. It’s fascinating how we, as human beings, connect experiences without even realizing it. Shapes, lines, and colors can say so much about who we are, what we desire, or what we need.

I find great joy in watching my compositions come to life spontaneously and uncovering the narrative behind them. Even more rewarding is seeing viewers connect with my work, interact with it, and share their own interpretations. There’s something deeply fulfilling about creating something that resonates with others, sparking emotions and personal reflections.

That said, the unpredictability of this path sometimes makes me wonder about the stability of a regular job or whether I should be doing something more directly productive for others. But in the end, I believe in what I do and pour the best of myself into each painting. I wouldn’t trade the freedom and depth of artistic expression for anything else—because, ultimately, it’s who I am.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I was born in Argentina and have been living in the United States for several years, currently working between Salt Lake City, Utah, and Houston, Texas. I am a painter rooted in abstract expressionism, emphasizing the spontaneity of emotional freedom over intellectualism and realism. I hold a degree in education from Argentina and later pursued formal art training at the Glassell School of Art, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, where I earned a Certificate of Achievement for Studies in Painting.

Through my abstract paintings, I invite viewers to immerse themselves in a dynamic interplay of color, shape, and line, offering a space for imaginative exploration. My process is deeply intuitive and spontaneous, allowing each piece to unfold organically. Inspired by movement, energy, and the emotions that emerge in the act of creation, my work encourages personal interpretation—what one person sees may be entirely different from another, sparking conversation and connection.

Ultimately, my goal is to create immersive visual experiences that resonate emotionally, inviting viewers to see beyond the surface. I’m always looking to push the boundaries of my practice, and in the future, I aspire to expand my art into other creative fields such as fashion, interior design, and beyond. By integrating my abstract compositions into these spaces, I hope to bring my visual language into everyday life, offering unique, immersive experiences that blend function with artistry.

If you’re interested in collaborating or exploring creative ventures together, I’d love to connect and see how we can create something truly inspiring.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Throughout history, art has been a reflection of humanity—shaping culture, preserving stories, and challenging perspectives. To support artists today, society must recognize their role in continuing this legacy. Investing in arts education, funding creative initiatives, and fostering spaces for artistic expression ensures that creativity thrives for future generations.

From ancient cave paintings to modern digital art, creativity has always shaped the world we live in. By supporting artists, we don’t just preserve history—we help shape the future and inspire the ideas that drive innovation and cultural evolution.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Several resources have shaped both my creative and entrepreneurial approach. Podcasts that explore artistic growth, intuition, and building a sustainable art practice have reinforced my belief in trusting the creative process—allowing spontaneity to lead the way. Similarly, discussions on vulnerability and resilience have been invaluable, as these qualities are essential not only in art but also in navigating the business side of being an artist.

Beyond specific media, I believe that continuing education, travel, and art residencies are essential for expanding both creativity and perspective. Immersing myself in new environments—whether through structured learning or spontaneous exploration—fuels my artistic practice and fosters growth. These experiences challenge me, expose me to new ways of thinking, and ultimately deepen the richness of my work.

At its core, being an artist and entrepreneur means embracing uncertainty with curiosity and courage. Inspiration is everywhere—it’s in the conversations we have, the places we visit, and the risks we take. By staying open to learning and evolving, we create not just art, but a life that is rich in meaning and possibility.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.paulachristenson.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paula_christenson_art/