Paula Tod

Artist statement

Concepts
There is no common theme to my work although areas of interest include perception, surveillance, watching and being watched, and seeing the bigger picture in the small details of things. I like to relate the theme and the method of working. In the series of paintings, 'What Do You Think You're Looking At?', the question is as much about understanding the act of painting as it is about the subject of the works.

Influences
Aesthetic/Formal Concerns, Philosophy, Emotions; own cultural identity (English, British); own gender (Female); Sexual Identity (Heterosexual)

Career path
I trained initially as an architectural historian and changed career in my mid-30s to study Art and Craft at Leeds College of Art & Design. For the last twelve years I have not only developed my own practice but have also worked as a community artist in schools, theatres, hospitals and for a number of organisations including Leeds City Art Gallery, York City Art Gallery,Yorkshire Sculpture Park, LMU, Heads, The Art House, Theatre Company Blah Blah Blah and the National Trust. The work has been broad and covered many techniques and themes including installations, textile hangings, sculpture and performance art.

Established limited company Red Chalk in March 2003 to deliver arts projects in educational and community settings.
Member of Leeds Sculpture Workshop October 2004- June 2006.