Paula Sage was born and raised in Lansing, Michigan. In grade school Paula surprised family, friends, and herself that
she had a talent for wildlife drawing. She continued her art all through school until she graduated from East Lansing High
School in 1975.
After High School Paula put up her paint brushes and drawing pencils to pursue another dream. For four years she rode on
hunter/jumpers "C" circuit for High Hope Farm in Mason. When the owner sold the farm and moved to Grand Rapids, she
decided to go back to college. She attended Lansing Community College in 1988 to earn her degree in graphics design. Unable to
find work in her field, she returned to her first love: horses. She decided to pursue her love for them in the fine arts. At
the age thirty-four, her best friend introduced her to an unknown art form, "Carousel". Inspired her to combine her
love for horses and the arts. It was after painting her first carousel horse that she finally found what she was intended to
do. She has spent ten years studying all the different carvers and their animals, as well as the history of the carousel.
Paula feels that carousel art has taught her more about color, design, and composition in a painting than she learned in
college. "These carousels show me how to use color and not to be afraid to use them in a gallant way. The animals are
strong and bold and they sharpen my drawing skills."
Most important of all I hope other emerging artists will discover the wonderful world of the carousel. In June 2001, Paula
received her Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management at Davenport University.
Statement:
People come up to me and ask, "What made you decide to draw carousels?" I tell them I didn't seek out carousel,
they chose me.
When I did my first portrait of a carousel horse, I saw for the first time an art form that the art world refused to
acknowledge. Carousels were not considered an art form, but whether a type of carnival ride that traveled from city to city.
Art connoisseurs turned their back on the carousel. Carvers rose up and shouted, "We will not follow the rules set by the
art world. We will make our own set of rules." So, master carvers did just that!
Each animal's mane, tail, and face were carefully carved in great detail. Even the carved trappings on the chest,
saddles, and back of each animal add a whole new dimension. Carvers stepped out of color wheel boundaries, to create their
own unique palette, splashing each animal in a rich prism of color.
Brass ring seekers will tell you how to unlock the hidden door and discover the magic of a carousel. Notice their
childhood expression and the tone in their voices--their eyes light up and a child-like smile covers their face.
As you look at these paintings imagine that you can hear the organ music playing and let the small child inside you come
alive. Climb aboard on your favorite mount, and when the carousel starts to move-just close your eyes for a moment, and let
the carousel magic flow through your heart. Recapture that carefree moment of your childhood. |
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