publication in the design and art department . Thus started my long career as a graphic artist .” This laid the creative foundation that allowed Paul to end up where he is today . “ I just followed my passion – building , drawing , designing … creating was fulfilling .”
“ For a large portion of my professional career I was a trade show manager and traveled extensively throughout the USA and Europe . I was especially captivated by the venerable churches and castles of Germany . I was intrigued by the complexity , grandeur and scale of the ancient architecture - definitely inspiring ,” said Paul .
When Paul started creating his sculptures , it wasn ’ t long before he had fans . In 2007 Paul sold his first piece : an old electric drill he turned into a ray gun . Since then , he has shown in galleries from New York , New Orleans , Ohio , San Diego , to local venues , Paul also has international collectors . One Belgium man has purchased eight pieces to date ; a local jade dealer has one of his “ crazy pieces oddly displayed alongside his dignified hand-carved masterpieces ,” and a cast member of Grey ’ s Anatomy has purchased several of his sculptures . “ I have a couple of full size robot sculptures on display at our very own Morgan Hill Library .”
He also had his automotive art displayed at the Pebble Beach Concours D ’ Elegance and the San Diego International Auto Show . “ I created a full size robot which garnered a first place award at San Francisco International RoboGames competition .”
It wasn ’ t until recently however , that Paul ’ s work reached a new level . One of the art directors for the new movie , Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ( starring Megan Fox , Will Arnett and Whoopi Goldberg , scheduled to release August 2014 ) saw Lockwasher Design sculptures on Flickr and contacted Paul to commission several pieces .
“ The Turtle ’ s hangout is down in a sewer and is all decked out with crazy gadgets and crime fighting equipment . The set director was looking for small pieces that were nerdy , geeky , with a steam punk look to place around their lair ,” said Paul . “ My favorite piece from that job was a skateboarding Ninja robot .” He created six pieces in all .
As if creating sculptures weren ’ t enough to keep him busy , these days , Paul also pursues a new venture : Paul ’ s Paint Parties . His most recent local one was held at Rosy ’ s at the Beach . Paul walks guests through the process of painting their own masterpiece while friends sip wine and enjoy a fun evening .
When I asked Paul if there was anything else we should know about him , he said , “ I like riding my bicycle , eating Mexican food , wasn ’ t a great student , Young Frankenstein was one of my favorite movies and when I was seven or eight years old I announced to my parents that when I grew up I was going to be a Catholic Priest or a professional comedian … hey , you never know , it could still happen .”
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