Bainbridge Island Museum of Art presented works by artist Paul Polson, from Poulsbo, Washington. Out Here and Strata featured regional landscape paintings in oil, plus sedimentary layer paintings which could be viewed as either stacked histories or alternate dimensions.

Polson’s relationship with art started at an early age. For him, producing art has always been about loving the process, leading him to experiment with his mediums. Polson strongly believes in studying the work of masters and other artists, as well learning from both old and new techniques. When creating, Polson starts with a general idea, but allows his process to guide him towards the finished product. This makes the process much more enjoyable and the outcome much more exciting.

Polson was born and raised in Wyoming, and was a prolific drawer and painter in his younger years. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts in art education from University of Wyoming in 1970, Polson moved to San Diego, where he spent 15 years living and working as a studio artist. He organized figure drawing classes and did graduate work at San Diego State and University of California, San Diego. In 1988, Polson relocated to Pioneer Square in Seattle, where he painted in a warehouse for three years before moving to Poulsbo.

For over 20 years, Polson designed and fabricated inflatable sculpture and scenic sets with his company Big Air Productions, Inc. for Cirque du Soleil and Radio City, as well as a traveling set for the Broadway production of Cats. Polson has also been a guest lecturer at the University of Washington, Northwest College of Art & Design, West Sound Academy, and Northwind Arts Center in Port Townsend.

In 2018, Polson moved to Astoria, Oregon, where he continues his studio work as well as owning a gallery. For more information, read Paul Polson’s full artist’s statement.