Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul Lewis.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Five years ago, I arrived at a personal crossroads. I knew I needed to build something constructive with my life, but I didn’t yet know what that would be. Curiosity led me through furniture making, painting, and wood carving – all worthwhile, none of them right.
The moment I put clay in my hands, something shifted. It demanded focus, patience, and humility, but above all else, it required me to be present.
I started with sculpting monsters and animals for my nieces and nephews then eventually transitioned to human portraits under the mentorship of Philippe Faraut. I showed up every single morning sculpting a couple of eyes, noses, ears, or mouths for months until I began to get the hang of the tools and processes.
The gap between my ambition and ability was very apparent, so I continued my studies, attending workshops across the US, Italy and Spain. Eventually I made the decision to fully commit and moved to Athens, Greece, where I spent seven months in an immersive classical sculpture program under the guidance of Robert Bodem and Valentina Zlatarova.
I lived in the studio and museums, studying ancient sculptures and refining my understanding of the art from the ground up.
Since returning to Austin in April of 2025, I’ve taken on several commissions and shows, continuing to push myself technically and conceptually. I still feel like this adventure is just beginning, but I now have the confidence to take on projects that intimidate me, because I know growth always lives on the other side of fear.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not. For my first couple of years, I was diabolically bad at sculpting.
I was fortunate to have several amazing individuals in my life who encouraged me to keep going. Some didn’t necessarily understand why I was changing direction but believed in the conviction behind it. That support gave me the courage to keep going when early results didn’t justify the ambition.
I’ve hit all kinds of personal roadblocks and injuries, but sculpture has taught me something important; improvement is rarely dramatic. It’s incremental. I constantly remind myself that it’s all about the aggregation of marginal gains. If you consistently show up, even when you’re frustrated or uninspired, the work compounds.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I work primarily in figurative sculpture, grounded in the principles of structure, gesture, and proportion. My foundation is academic, but I’m increasingly interested in the space where this intersects with abstract elements and complex narratives.
I don’t feel like I’ve arrived at a fixed brand, and I’m okay with that. I’m in a deliberate exploratory phase focusing on traditional art with personal meaning.
What I’m most proud of isn’t a specific piece; it’s the decision to commit fully. I entered this field with a relatively small safety net, much later than many of my peers. I don’t have the luxury of coasting. What sets me apart is my work ethic and a willingness to be uncomfortable. I’m willing to do the unglamorous repetitions and outwork every previous version of myself.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Consistency predicts more than talent ever will. Creative work is emotionally volatile. Some days you feel invincible, and the next you’re convinced that you are a complete fraud. That oscillation doesn’t mean you’re failing; it’s just an undeniable feature of the ride.
Even if you love something, you will find limitless excuses not to do it.
Don’t wait to feel motivated or courageous. Show up tired. Do it scared.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.plewisart.com/
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/plewis.art
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/plewisart
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@plewis.art
Image Credits
Josh Yang
