Individuals: Visual Artists: Paul Portelli

Artist's Statement / Bio

Paul Portelli is a professional sculptor living and working in Hastings, Ontario.

He manipulates the natural beauty and versatility of terra cotta clay with colour and glazes to create his popular Greenman, whimsical circus animals, dragons with attitude, a full range of functional pieces and figurative work. All are beautifully hand built and one of a kind.

“My figurative work is a study in spiritualism, drawing my inspiration from myths and stories found in all forms of religion and mythology. My work is greatly influenced by the Baroque period and the Neo Classic movement of the early 19th century. I have spent a lot of his time traveling to gather my inspiration. My travels include 5 months backpacking through India; visiting the many temples, ashrams and religious sites, 3 months travel through Morocco, and trips through Portugal and Spain to study the sculptures and art works of ancient churches and holy places.”

Many of Paul's works have been exhibited in public and private galleries and are held in private collections in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ghana (President John Agyekum Kufuor) and Germany.

He is the author of articles in many Canadian publications, such as Crafts Plus, Style and Men's Wear Canada, and also has made regular guest appearances on television shows, Cityline, Craftscape and Savior Faire.

After graduating in Fashion Arts from Seneca College he continued his studies in visual arts at the Ontario College of Art and Sir Sanford Fleming College (Haliburton School of Fine Arts).

Paul has been an instructor in visual arts and business departments at Sir Sanford Fleming College, Durham College, Seneca College and Ryerson University.

Located at 401 11th Concession East, R.R. #2, Hastings, Ontario, K0L 1Y0.

Email:
Phone: 705-696-3395
Website: www.paulportelli.com