Paul in his Studio cerebral style <strong>and</strong> vision: not for the faint <strong>of</strong> heart Spotlight on Paul M. Cote Paul Cote, who also uses the artist name <strong>of</strong> ‘Cody,’ is a pr<strong>of</strong>essional artist whose passion for art characterizes his works, lending them a compelling dynamism that speaks to an enthralled international audience. He spoke to ARTis- Spectrum about his experience as an artist. 10 <strong>ARTisSpectrum</strong> The Battle Acrylic & Mixed Media on Canvas 60” x 36”
Pr<strong>of</strong>essional artist wasn’t your first career path. How did you reach it <strong>and</strong> what made you choose to take it seriously? Through the ins <strong>and</strong> outs <strong>of</strong> life, as well as the highs <strong>and</strong> lows, something truly amazing came forth. Seemingly from nowhere the “gift” emerged. A switch was turned on that began to overwhelm me with desire, passion, <strong>and</strong> emotion. The purchase <strong>of</strong> one canvas <strong>and</strong> three paint colors led the way to unlocking a talent that had been lying dormant for a very long time. As I continued to discover <strong>and</strong> unleash all that needed to come forth, I realized that there was something special, spiritual, surreal unfolding. My gift was truly unique. I do not think calling me a painter is accurate. I believe that creator is more appropriate, as being more a more accurate reflection <strong>of</strong> my painting process. I followed my heart <strong>and</strong> instincts <strong>and</strong> realized that I had a desire to share my unique vision. In 2009 I went to NYC <strong>and</strong> attended the Armory <strong>Art</strong> fair weekend. That exposure reinforced my certainty that I did truly have a “gift,” something truly unusual that should be shared with the world. On my return home, I began to send out submissions to galleries… <strong>and</strong> my unique creative works were discovered <strong>and</strong> began to gain an audience <strong>and</strong> generate interest. At the time <strong>of</strong> writing I have had three solo shows, <strong>and</strong> the response I have received overwhelmingly confirms my belief in my own talent, <strong>and</strong> the sense I have that this is my calling. Can you describe your painting process? My process <strong>and</strong> approach for each creation is purely cerebral <strong>and</strong> spiritual. A canvas is thrown to the floor, paint is dropped, thrown, dripped <strong>and</strong> it begins. I manipulate the paint using all kinds <strong>of</strong> different objects, including those not usually associated with art – broomsticks, turkey basters, knives, etc. As layer upon layer <strong>of</strong> paint is added to the work, I may include glass, nails, c<strong>of</strong>fee, picture frames, <strong>and</strong> other such objects <strong>and</strong> materials. The story begins to unfold <strong>and</strong> that unconscious seed brings forth a sculptural, elegant, poignant work <strong>of</strong> art. My studio has shelves devoted to the sorts <strong>of</strong> objects that I gather thinking that I might perhaps want to include them in a work at some point. It’s important to me that they are right there at the point <strong>of</strong> creation when I need them, because each painting takes on a life <strong>of</strong> its own <strong>and</strong> dem<strong>and</strong>s what it requires. What impact does your art usually have on viewers? My creations are not for the faint <strong>of</strong> heart. They are strong reminders <strong>of</strong> the past, present <strong>and</strong> future <strong>of</strong> humanity. They delve into the subconscious <strong>and</strong> spiritual world. They are alive with layers <strong>of</strong> emotion. Adam Acrylic on Canvas 80” x 48” During my initial show at Agora last August I was told by a number <strong>of</strong> people that it was very difficult to walk away from my creations. Whether it was a soothing image <strong>of</strong> a universe or planet, or the harsh reality <strong>of</strong> the Holocaust, the viewer quickly feels connected to the piece in a very deep way. The topographical aspect, as well as the strong use <strong>of</strong> color <strong>and</strong> objects, brings forth a very intense energy that is embedded in each work. Your style has developed through a number <strong>of</strong> stages. How would you characterize them, <strong>and</strong> could you explain a little about how you moved from one to the other? My style <strong>and</strong> vision are constantly in motion... It is such a cerebral entity. Mood, emotion, world issues, physical beauty... Some bodies <strong>of</strong> work are Pollockish, the next more like Schnabel, then Hirst-like… I never know where I’m going when the initial paint is dropped <strong>and</strong> I let it take me for a ride. In that respect, it is like a voyage <strong>of</strong> discovery. 11 <strong>ARTisSpectrum</strong>
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