I started sculpting in clay and painting in my early years. As a teenager I was introduced to metal sculpting with an oxygen/acetylene welding outfit. Unable to afford the metal my first sculptures were made from cutting up old shopping carts for frames and using the metal from old juice cans to create a brutalist form of wall sculptures. Early on I started entering local art shows in Southern California. I met a scrap salvage metal man from whom I could buy copper, bronze and brass in cutoff sheets and different types of steel bars. This opened up a whole new world as I learned to shape and get colors out of these new metals. I started creating birds, flowers and water scenes from the new materials. I continued in the art shows eventually traveling around the US on the art show circuit. My work were purchased by cities for government buildings, corporations and collectors around the world. In 1978, I was able to open Paul’ard Galleries in Naples Florida which I operated for the next 8 years soon after I opened the Crafts Collection featuring fine crafts from around the world. I franchised this business and eventually sold it to chase my other passion, the sea. I first became a fishing guide with the help of famous Everglades guides Tosh Brown and Ted Naftal. I eventually got my open ocean masters license and ran tugboats, freighters and yachts around the world. My wife and I have visited 48 countries and all 7 continents. In 2000 I had a spinal cord injury that ended my career as a ship captain. I was again drawn into the world of art by necessity to help me rehabilitate myself. After a few years of rehabilitation I gained the use of my left side again and started welding up new types of architectural sculptures, doors, tables and large outdoor commercial pieces. In 2020 I started trying to learn about large torch fired enamels. I searched for two years and found many people doing small pieces and jewelry using this technique but no one doing large scale metal sculptures. Over a few years and thru a fluke I figured out how to cool down the enameled copper and steel and began creating my large sculptures. I recently acquired a 4,400 square foot metal building in Naples, Florida and with a partner am opening The Bayshore Gallery which will be representing over 100 emerging fine arts and crafts from around the world. You can come see us at 3270 Bayshore Drive, Naples, Florida 34112 or contact me at [239-777-3078](tel:239-777-3078). I currently recede with my wife Monica in Naples, Florida and Suches, Georgia.