Ever since a very early age, I have liked to create and discover the wonders of playing with materials. Being an artist became a way of life while every little mundane thing was absorbed and an inspiration. The change of seasons, the shape of a slice of bread, and the rhythm of a cat’s stealthy crawl; these are just a handful of things that inspire me. My many travels have had a big impact on my work and the urge to use plenty of colors. Humor in my art is often used as a reminder of our temporary place in the universe. Trained as a painter, the color sense can be seen in my mixed media and sterling jewelry. Having studied both art and silver smithing, I combine my metal smith techniques with paint and recycled objects to make jewelry.
The jewelry I create is crafted from a bezel made from silver, while inside, a little collage tells a story. A layer of clear resin is poured on top and smoothed to enhance and protect the piece.
Drawing inspiration from Matisse and her many world travels, Paula Gaete jewelry is an expression of her joy and zest for life.