Sculptor Paul Lewis finds himself waking up every day around 5 a.m., racing to get to the studio. After years of learning and creating in different business and art arenas, he has at last landed in an area so perfect for him that he wishes he could “survive without sleeping.” His work with sculpture contains a classical feel while revealing his obsession with anatomy, blending reality with abstract elements.
Kristen Grace: Have you always been an artist? When did you first become interested in art?
Paul Lewis: I wasn’t a kid taking private art lessons. But looking back, creativity was always there. I loved art classes; I was always trying to find a different way of doing things rather than following instructions. That got me into trouble on occasion—but let’s call that art. My parents have boxes of my childhood art, and it’s pretty wild. It’s just so many examples of me trying to avoid coloring within the lines.
KG: What led you to sculpture?
PL: I have always found myself fascinated by monumental sculptures. I was in awe of their scale. When I immersed myself in art history and learned the stories behind the work, I realized that it combined all the things I loved: creativity, problem-solving, anatomy, history and storytelling. I originally thought a career in medicine was my path, but over time, I realized a sense of stability wasn’t the same as a sense of fulfillment. I needed a stronger sense of purpose.
KG: What inspires your sculptures?
PL: About five years ago, I was sculpting some monsters and dinosaurs for my nieces and nephews, and although the subject matter was hilarious, I quickly knew sculpting was in my future. The medium allowed me to play and create for my own sake. At first, I was terrible at it. But I had mentors around me: Philippe Faraut, Robert Bodem and Valentina Zlatarova. I spent the next years traveling and learning in Italy and Spain. I committed fully to this art and to the process. I moved to Athens, Greece, for seven months. I was either in the studio or studying sculpture all the time.
KG: Many people pick a new hobby or art, and if they aren’t immediately good at it, they walk away. I love that you admit you were “terrible” at first, but the feeling of play, and the mentors in your life kept you at it.
PL: I have gone through rough patches in my life. I have read self-help books. I am someone who procrastinates by spending too much time planning rather than acting. But hammered into my mind is the adage, “consistency beats talent.” Learning is hard, but the true prize is growth along the way.
KG: What do you hope people will feel or understand when they see your work?
PL: I’m not interested in telling people what to think. I’m interested in creating spaces where people can reflect. The best art creates those spaces. My most recent piece in progress is a commissioned memorial work for Mitchell Short, titled “Transcendence.” He was a remarkable 20-year-old skateboarder who passed away in 2025. This will be a permanent installation at The Uncommon Ground in Edmond.
Artist Paul Lewis considers Oklahoma City home, but currently has a studio in Austin, Texas. He has new art in progress and hopes you’ll check out his Instagram @plewis.art.
