Paula lives in the country west of Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband Gary, five dogs and a cat. She and Gary recently erected a large building on their property to house her weaving and yoga studios, and in the barn nearby, created a special area for painting and dying fiber. The studios provide a peaceful environment in which to think and work creatively; it is the woods, streams and solitude of this environment that influence her weaving.

Originally from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Paula has become acclimated to middle Tennessee with its moderate climate -- the longer growing season allows her to indulge her passion for gardening. Over the past several years, a strong local arts group has developed in Nashville which affords a vibrant interchange of ideas, a host of creative activities, and a community in which to form lasting friendships.

After developing her unique voice within this very ancient art form of weaving, Paula began exhibiting seriously in 2000 and has steadily gained regional recognition for her art, most notably in exhibitions such as The Best of Tennessee Craft Artists, the American Craft Council’s Southeast Regional Spotlight Exhibits of 2004 and 2005, and the Judy Chicago Project at Vanderbilt University, 2006.

Iyengar Yoga is another important part of Paula’s life. She became certified through a 1,000 hour program and teaches in the Nashville area. She practices and studies daily, finding great joy in both the teachings and poses and in the communication with her students.		    
     
         
   

Artistic Statement and Statement of Intention


Color, pattern, texture – these are the motivations that guide me as I weave coats, shawls and fabric panels. I live in the woods and study the movement of light through the trees and across the streams, and am always aware of the change in color and shape of objects in light’s path. I try to simulate these patterns and colors in my woven designs and painted warps. Weaving is a very old art form – my personal challenge is to make it new and unique to my sensibilities and vision while honoring its history.

I have come to realize that my work is ready for the next step in its artistic progression; collaboration, installation/sculptural work and interiors have become major interests for me. All of these interests involve thinking outside of the box and envisioning my weavings and work with fiber in a larger context. My ultimate goal is to focus the dialogue of fiber to a greater audience. Paula Bowers Hotvedt


1100 Timber Ridge Road
Charlotte, TN 37036-5716
Tel: 615-789-0221
Email: pbhweave@bellsouth.net