We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Paul Gaudet a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Paul , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

Ever since a young age, I have always been fascinated with creativity and the arts has been an intrinsic part of my journey. Whether writing, drawing or making music, I always found solace and excitement in exploring different artistic expressions. As I nurtured this curiosity, I realized art was more than a hobby but a gateway to self-discovery and understanding. Inspired by the transformative power of art and creation, I made the decision to pursue a career dedicated to fostering creativity and sharing stories that resonate with the human experience.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Thank you for providing me with this platform to showcase my work. Based in Richmond, Virginia, I am both a painter and woodworker. I obtained a BFA in Painting from Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston in 2013, followed by an MFA from Goldsmith’s College in London in 2016. My painting process is deeply expressive, delving into themes of humor, identity, memory, and the abject. While exploring my artistic voice through painting, I encountered creative lulls, prompting me to venture into woodworking. In 2019, I launched Gaudet Woodthings, my woodworking business specializing in custom cutting boards, small furniture, shelving, chessboards, and more. This new medium has invigorated my creativity, allowing me to fluidly transition between painting and woodworking while continuing to express myself artistically.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the endless avenues for exploration. In art, there’s no right or wrong answer; you define the problem and discover infinite solutions. Whether crafting visual narratives through painting or creating cherished objects, sharing my art with the world is endlessly inspiring.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Create art for yourself, not for others. I struggled with the pressure to please people for a long time, resulting in shallow, uninspired work. This need for approval hindered my practice, often preventing any meaningful output. However, once I shifted my mindset and embraced true self-expression, my fear of approval transformed into complete artistic freedom.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @PayneCrencil @Gaudet_Woodthings

Image Credits
Paul Gaudet