The experience of being a working artist, - the concerns of technique, and the qualities of 'consciousness' that inspire or inform the finished work - are often mysterious to the uninvolved public. Visual artists, even if they are willing to discuss their work, can be poor at verbalising their ideas, while commentators are often content to avoid speculation about an artist's intentions and concerns, substituting instead their own, critical agenda and understanding of the creative.

The texts in this section are extracted from taped conversations with the artist. Except where indicated, the illustrations are details of Paula's work or created from photographs of her studio surroundings.