With her right and left brain working together, Paule creates art that can be used every day. Through Beyond Her, she and Michael create screen-printed images that mimic the layers and complexities of nature, then craft them into practical everyday objects.

What got you interested in screenprinting and textiles?

I am an artist, but I am a very practical person. My right and left brains are totally connected. I could have always just painted or created art. But I always wanted my art to do something or be something. I sew and screenprint because that’s how I can turn design into something that will be used and appreciated in the real world.

People often come into my booth and say, “I could never use that towel / bandana / scarf. It’s too pretty.” But to me, everyday objects can and should be beautiful. And just because something is beautiful doesn’t mean that it’s delicate. All my products are high quality and built for easy care. So that’s how I found my tag line, “Art for Every Day.”

What inspires you?

What I see outside every day inspires me. I just get all blubbery around plants and animals and insects and produce. Everything in nature appears so simple, and yet the closer you look, you can see how much more ornate and layered and gorgeous it is. That’s how I want my designs to be.

What other hobbies do you have?

I’m an outdoor-type person. I run with my dog, I play tennis, I like playing around in the river near my studio. I also like to take in as much art, music and culture as I can. And I like the city.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?

This is a good piece of advice I feel like I’ve never taken: Focus on one thing. I’ve always been all over the place, so that has cost me and diluted my progress. My excuse is that I still haven’t found the “one thing” that deserves all my attention. It’s coming, though, I can feel it.

Learn more about Beyond Her.

Get inspired with more of our Spotlight Stories.