South Tampa recently lost a gem when Paula Brett, an award-winning artist, moved with her family to Atlanta. Paula’s artistic brilliance, her quick wit and effortless style will certainly be missed around here. Count yourself as lucky if you own a piece of her art and continue to enjoy her creativity and talent on a daily basis. If you have not seen her work you will have a chance this weekend as her photography will be featured at the 47th Annual Gasparilla Festival of the Arts this coming weekend (March 4-5th, 2017) at Curtis Hixon Park in Downtown Tampa. We can’t wait to see her and her latest creations! In the meantime, we caught up with Paula and asked her a few questions for our new blog series. Join us as we peak into the homes, hearts and minds of some of our community’s most stylish individuals.
Name: Paula Brett
Hometown? Born in Lakewood, NJ, Raised in Atlanta, GA
How would you describe your style? Home- Modern with simple, clean lines and easy design mixed with cultural elements from my travels. Oh yes, and random toys scattered across rooms to show my playful side. Dress style- whatever is clean and doesn’t require ironing. I love big, artful prints and fun designs- love the 60’s era for fashion. Can’t help it.
Art- My art is ever-changing and my style is always evolving. This is something that I love about making art, you can surprise yourself with what comes through.
Has living in Tampa influenced your style in any way? Yes, my palette has become a bit more sophisticated and I’ve learned how to balance neutrals with more intense colors and designs, which I have always leaned toward.
What does your home say about you? My home is an extension of my personal aesthetic- I like to keep it simple with interesting design elements that provoke thought. I love open, clean spaces that can both calm and excite my mind.
Where do you get your inspiration? Everywhere! I’m always looking at design- from my backyard to the random object in my view at the moment. Every shape and thing can be fascinating in it’s own right. I also love to look at IG and the magazine rack at the local book store. When I can, travel is my biggest inspiration.
Who are your personal style icons? Audrey Hepburn and Iris Apfel, even though you’ll usually find me in some kind of mismatched “active wear”.
What trait do you admire most in a person? Honesty. Being Real. No BS, please.
What is your guilty pleasure? Wine. Chocolate. Yoga. In no particular order.
Who or what has been your greatest professional influence? My father, who is also an artist.
What can we look forward to next from you? Probably a lot more painting- new abstractions. But you never know- I love to mix all media, so we shall see!
Can you give a little glimpse into your creative process? I play. And sometimes that’s work. We don’t think we should play as adults and we have lost this free-natured way of thinking and being from when we were children. To get your mind out of the way- be free of self-criticism, be free of what others might think- that’s the goal. To just allow your true uninhibited self to express what it wants is a beautiful thing. You may not make “art” right away, but the longer you practice it, something gorgeous will emerge. I’m simply try to make this the practice, and that’s the work.
A few of Paula’s favorite things:
Go-To Outfit: Jeans, a bright top and sandals with a good pedi.
Scent: Jo Malone random combinations
Piece of Jewelry: Basic diamonds.
Color I Never Tire Of: Magenta
Indispensable Design Element: Flowers
Dream Project (Gig): To create a large-scale installation or solo show in a museum.
Drink: A big, bold Cab
Artist: Barnett Newman, Marina Abramovic, Andrew Goldsworthy
Book: The Little Prince
Song That Always Puts Me in a Great Mood: Grimes’ “California” at the moment
Nonprofit: The Hunger Project
Place to visit: New York City
Desert Island Must Have: Sunscreen
Tampa Restaurant: On Swann
