Home Improvement Magazine Kitchen Fashions Fall 2017 | Page 24

• Why investing money and time to
create places of rest at home is crucial
• Keys for living a life without fear
Paul speaks frequently to educators and students
about the imperative need for us to embrace the
skilled trades and the arts as critical vocations
in our society. With a national trades crisis
upon us, Paul actively supports organizations
that seek to promote and encourage young
people to pursue careers in an area that was
for a long time not recognized as essential.
“In an age where so much is produced on
assembly lines and reproductions of masterpieces
are created a dime a dozen, it is sometimes
difficult for us to appreciate the talent and
creativity that goes into original artwork;
whether it be a painting, a bridge, a novel or even
the plumbing that winds its way silently behind
our walls,” says Paul. “An artisan is someone
who creates something with their hands.”
In an effort to add his voice to what he believes
is nothing less than an international revolution
for artisans and tradespeople, Paul, along
with his wife, Janna, has opened a studio in
Pickering, Ontario, which features unique
handcrafted artwork by artists from all across
Canada. The shop showcases original paintings,
photography, jewellery, glasswork, metalwork,
custom furniture and even his own music.
Paul is also a musician and author. His band,
Found in the Fury, released their debut album
in 2012 and are working on a second. For
Paul, music has always been a major influence
on all his work, whether it be designing,
public speaking or writing. He is working
on two books: one a highly-anticipated book
on deck design, with a twist, and another
exploring the plight of the modern-day man,
called I Don’t Want to be an Adult Anymore.
Find out more about Paul’s design company
at www.PaulLafranceDesign.com or on any
social media outlet. Information about the
art shop can be found at www.LartisanArt.
com and information on music and literature
can be found at www.SafehouseMedia.ca.
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