Paula Jean Roberts, Door County Artist

Paula Jean’s foray into the art world began decades ago, but not before her passion for animals had emerged when she was a small child at her father’s side on the farm. She has always incorporated her four-legged friends into her artwork, but the two worlds have never converged as intimately as they do now. Paula’s small flock of alpacas and sheep (many of them rescues) enjoy a relaxed life on her farm. They wander the rolling acreage with a couple of horses and several cats; in exchange for their idyllic lifestyle, they supply much of the fiber for Paula’s artwork.

Prior to conceiving her unique style of fiber art portraiture, Paula worked in church art. Her designs for windows, statues, furniture, and sculptures have been sent as far away as Italy for production, and her original pieces grace churches throughout the country. Although she has set brush to wall in many a church, her studio was mostly her home on the farm with a view of the animals grazing nearby.

Understanding that deep memories are encompassed in homes, land, and buildings, and knowing firsthand how much pets are valued, Paula strives to capture the intricate details of each cherished subject she felts. She holds firmly to the traditions of hand-worked art, a philosophy that allows her a thoughtful pace, necessary pauses, and intimate involvement with the materials. Thus, she realizes the vision of every client with care and dedication in each distinctive piece she nurtures to life.