Paul Montwillo

Artist Statement

What you are seeing here are portraits. You may not see many names, because the portraits have been given to the individual. Plus I’ve been accused of “outing people” (ie.- Gay’s in the Military Ken).
-You’re welcome Brian!

Everything I do is inspired by someone I've met. As you can clearly see, alot of my friends drink and smoke pot. I hope you see yourself or someone you love in my work.

After a mixed media show in 1997, was sued by a major toy company (that sounds like Motel, but will remain nameless) for depictions of Trailer Trash and Drag Queen Dolls.

Following that event, started Arsenic & Apple Pie, a toy and novelty company dealing in Trailer Trash and Drag Queen dolls and similar paraphernalia. The toy company was dissolved in 2008.

The insects started as pins for the Yuma Arts Symposium back in 2005. The opening night of this Artist convention is a pin swap. They were wildly popular and evolved into my current work over the years.

Have most recently showed at ArtShow 2010 (June), Levi's (August 2010), and Whatcha Doin' Wednesdays, in the Castro (September 2010).

I'm very proud to be a San Franciscan and a Member of ArtSpan! Enjoy Open Studios, and I hope to see you!

Paul