About Paula Valenzuela

Chilean artist Paula Valenzuela is based in Oakland, California. 

My artwork explores the connection of darkness and light within us, the complexity of layers that we show to others and to ourselves, as well as the parts that we keep in the shadows. My work is based on the internal process of memories, emotions and physical sensations from my home country, Chile. The colors and textures in my work refer to the landscape where I grew up and the experiences that I had. I am drawn to the desert and isolated places, where I connect me with my origins and myself, bringing back those memories and perception into my paintings.

As an artist and psychologist, I am interested in exploring the unconscious and human process that we all go through when embraced in an act of spontaneous creativity, without preconceived ideas. Painting for me is a way to be open to the moment, to be fully present in my body and mind. 

My work process is exploratory, utilizing multiple materials and textures. I work with pouring mediums, fluid acrylics, resins and pigments that allow me a flowing movement and to be surprised every time. I work through several paintings at once, mixing, dripping, scratching painting, covering, uncovering, brushing and scratching again… until I get to a place with each piece that reflects a moment in time, the unexpected.