Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul Shaw.
Paul, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’m a Kentucky boy living my fullest life in New Orleans, Louisiana. I believe beauty is inherited in everything, just waiting to be revealed. I pull inspiration from the vibrant city I call home, infused with my wanderlust for global travels. You will find the back story in my “Design Diary.”
I live and work as an artist and designer, helping clients to see the potential in their interior spaces. Our homes are an expression of our lives and moments we want to remember. If you work with me, get ready to open up. There is a story to tell…
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
When folks ask me where I am from, I get a little excited. Why? They never expect the journey I will take them on!
I roamed the foothills of Appalachia with my parents, anchoring tents among the pines, seasonally taking residence in, dare I say, derelict farmhouses. I have hazy memories of wagon rides through the barn, tugging on tobacco stalks; early mornings that smelled like damp straw, proudly collecting eggs. I learned to tie my shoes on a “stoop” and duct tape a quarter to the inside of my Bible, lest I lose it in the creek bed.
Apart from the wells and wood burning stoves, my childhood engendered a deep reverence for nature and our interdependence. It propelled me to stewardship, while also fostering an imagination that took me all the way to The Sorbonne, where I studied Art and French.
Places like Italy and Ecuador were a feast for my soul, revisiting the art my younger self had only dreamed to see in person. The old gods of the forest were alive in their marble flesh, staring intently upon history.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Inspiritedportraits – what should we know?
Inspiritedportraits grew from my passion to synthesize Art, Design, and the local community. I believe art can heal. Whether I am creating a “piece” of art or helping a client furnish a space, the same principles apply. It’s a certain kind of magic!
From visualizing to manifestation, the process reinforces our ability to assess, evolve, deconstruct and rebuild. For many of my clients, that metaphor can often facilitate catharsis.
My work as a designer helps clients “soften” the edges of the boxes in which we live. I specify furniture layouts, decor, textiles, window treatments, art and most importantly the relationships between them. I am most alive when I am creating. I am inspirited. I believe that’s my mission and my gift.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My mother was my first inspiration. She taught me the importance of observation and craft. Magic is in the making! My Design Diary is largely informed by memories of time spent with her.
We often took long walks to collect moss and wildflowers to transplant into our own garden. That’s were the lessons reside, the life cycles, the dreamer, the call to share your gifts.
Pricing:
- Interior Decor project range from 10K to 50K
- Commission Art range from $500 to 3K
- Pet Portraits range $100 – $300
Contact Info:
- Address: 3750 Veterans Memorial Boulevard
Metairie, LA 70002 - Website: https://www.inspiritedportraits.com
- Email: paulshawart@gmail.com
- Instagram: paul.shaw_ea
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
