Voices of Creativity
Hear the artist share her journey, challenges, and definitions of success
Paula Borsetti
Paula Borsetti creates layered abstract paintings inspired by family, community, and New England’s natural beauty. Working primarily in acrylic, her textured and colorful works evoke personal yet universal stories. Her Coastal series reflects the shapes and colors of New England’s landscapes, while her PALS series honors her friend’s son’s battle with ALS, using submerged text and paint to convey strength and hope. Paula’s latest work explores themes of loss, healing, and resilience, capturing life’s challenges and joy through her dynamic creative process.
Paula Borsetti: A Lifelong Journey of Creativity and Resilience
The Spark of Inspiration
Paula Borsetti's path to becoming an artist began unexpectedly with what she describes as divine intervention. In high school, she felt lost until a summer art program with Sr. Vincent de Paul changed her trajectory. Encouraged by her mentor, she applied to the Art Institute of Boston with minimal preparation but abundant passion, launching her journey into the world of art. Although her initial interest was in illustration and design, her first painting class ignited a lifelong love for painting.
Over the years, Paula balanced her passion for art with various jobs and personal responsibilities. From working in grocery stores to managing departments, she adapted her skills to meet life’s demands. In 1994, a pivotal moment came when she was recommended for an art teaching position, leading to a 26-year teaching career that deepened her connection to the arts. In 2020, Paula embraced another transformative decision: becoming a full-time studio artist.
Navigating Challenges
Paula has faced numerous challenges in her creative journey, from battling limiting beliefs about the viability of an artistic career to finding time for her practice while raising a family and working multiple jobs. She overcame these obstacles by prioritizing her art daily, even in small increments, and finding strength in her local and online art communities.
Another significant challenge has been getting her work seen by a broader audience. Paula continues to navigate this through exhibitions, submissions, and social media. Her resilience and adaptability have kept her focused on creating and sharing her art with the world.
Art as Advocacy
One of Paula’s proudest achievements is her body of work dedicated to her friend’s son, who battled ALS for over nine years. This series, Tending Below the Surface, explores the hidden struggles of the disease and its impact on caregivers and loved ones. The collection was showcased in an online solo exhibition and even inspired custom designs for Birkenstock sandals, incorporating the ALS ribbon. Paula’s art has become a means of raising awareness and funds for ALS and other causes, reflecting her deep commitment to using her work to make a positive difference.
Evolving Style and Perspective
Paula’s artistic journey began with landscapes and figurative work, where she learned to see the world through an artist’s lens. Today, her work focuses on abstract and abstracted landscapes, characterized by bold and layered compositions that combine freedom with precision. Her love for experimentation keeps her work dynamic and constantly evolving, as she seeks to learn more about herself and the world through her art.
Lessons Learned
Early setbacks, like a rejected painting she was proud of, taught Paula valuable lessons about perseverance and the subjective nature of art. She learned to view rejection not as a failure but as part of the journey, recognizing that every piece contributes to her growth as an artist.
Wisdom for Artists
Paula emphasizes the importance of daily practice, flexibility, and community. She advises emerging artists to embrace the unpredictable path of creativity, surround themselves with supportive people, and learn from every experience, including mistakes. Her mantra is clear: “Don’t give up. Use your voice and claim your space.”
Defining Success
For Paula, success means creating from the heart, growing as a person, and giving back to the world through her art. Whether her work touches someone’s heart or makes them smile, she finds fulfillment in knowing she has made a difference.
Paula Borsetti’s story is one of resilience, passion, and a steadfast belief in the power of art to inspire, heal, and connect people.
Paula Borsetti’s recent work reflects her deep connection to New England, where she divides her time between the coast of Massachusetts and the lakes of Maine. These landscapes influence her marks, shapes, and spaces, echoing the artistic foundation she built while attending art school in the late 1970s. Her work is rooted in the formal elements of composition, the picture plane, and mark-making, balanced with her love for experimentation and the tactile qualities of paint.
I'll take my tea in the garden love
Oil on Panel, 20"x20", 2024
In her latest series, Fear of Flying, Paula explores the barriers—both real and perceived—that hold us back. Through introspection and bold experimentation, she transforms these obstacles into opportunities, flipping the narrative from limitation to possibility. Her process is one of excavation and discovery, likened to the ever-changing tide, where each day in the studio brings renewal and excitement.
Soar
Acrylic on Canvas, 36"x36", 2024
Nearly three decades as an art educator fueled Paula’s passion for nurturing creativity and continuously learning. Now, as a full-time studio artist, she embraces the freedom to explore her artistic voice, surrounded by family and the joy of creating. Her work appears in physical and online exhibitions, with collectors and publications recognizing her dynamic practice.
