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

Hi Paula, what are you inspired by?
I am inspired by nature and the beauty of everyday objects that surround us. I love to think about the organic, and essential objects and organisms like cells, internal body organs, plants, plankton, and phytoplankton, these often overlooked and unseen organisms work together to keep us alive and others help sustain life on Earth. I very much identify with the Japanese philosophy of Wabi Sabi, a concept that sees and really searches for the beauty of imperfection and acceptance of natural life cycles. It’s a more connected way of living, where you are deeply connected to nature. Wabi-Sabi reminds us of the ephemerality and impermanence of life. Growing up my Grandmother was a painter and my mom incorporated art in her science classes and at home. I have been greatly influenced by what we found in nature and saw under the microscope. I am lucky enough to teach Ceramics and Art Appreciation at Tyler Junior College, where we have a diverse student body and an exceptional collection of faculty.
I learn something new every day from these beautiful people.
I also, of course, love and have been influenced by many historical and contemporary artists and designers, some of my favorites are Tara Donavan (New York artist who utilizes everyday objects for site-specific installations), Nick Cave (American wearable sculptor, dancer, performance artist, and activist), Susie MacMurray (Site-specific installation artist based in the UK who also uses everyday objects), Andy Goldsworthy (British sculptor and environmental artist), Eva Hesse ( American born sculptor who was known for her revolutionary work with materials like plastic, rubber, and latex)), Jason deCaires Taylor (Underwater sculptor), Yayoi Kusama (Contemporary Japanese artist), Ernesto Neto (Brazillian artist creating large-scale environments), and of course many others.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I took a long and circuitous and wandering route to get to where I am today. I returned to school to work on my MFA much later in life, as a single mom fresh on the heels of a divorce, with one awesome son, Chase McDermott, It was a challenge to be an older student, especially after such a long break from education. With much help from my amazing parents, I made it through. I then took a few years to learn the art of construction from a good friend and mentor Steve Brand. As far as my artwork, I lean toward working sculpturally sometimes wearable, using nature, everyday objects, found materials, and clay. I am teaching ceramics and have now started getting back into functional art by way of ceramics and I am loving it!

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?
When friends come to town a fun thing I like to do would be to go to one of our local lakes or rivers to kayak and spend time in nature. We recently saw a pair of bald eagles at Bellwood Lake. We have a couple of awesome local spots, True Vine and ETX Breweries. Another fun local place to hang out is Fresh, it’s actually a grocery store with great food drinks, and live music. Another local restaurant I love to take friends to is Wasabi, a sushi bar, and Bistro.

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 have many friends and family who have loved and supported me in life and on this artistic journey. I have wonderful artist friends who encourage and inspire and challenge me like Abhidnya Ghuge who is an amazing Texas installation artist and Z Miles Mayfield who is a Texas ceramic artist and educator. Of course, my colleagues in the Tyler Junior College Art Department who I can’t say enough good things about. Derrick White who is the Chair of the Art Department, has created a very special place. A safe place that fosters creativity, where students and faculty feel comfortable and inspired to create, live, and commune. It’s truly a home away from home.

Website: Paulamcdermottart.com

Instagram: Halfmoonbaypk

Facebook: Barrettkay

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.