Selene Paschoal, a fabric artist has been a journalist for a major part of her career. Selene started on this journey in 2018 and has come a long way since then. The link between fabric and art came to her several years ago when she was at an “Open Studio” event with friends.  Her work was exhibited at the Greenville Center for Creative Arts, Artists Guild Gallery of Greenville, Open Art Studio, and the White Rabbit Fine Art Gallery.

In a studio conversation with Selene Paschoal, a fabric artist, she shares what her typical day looks like, her favorite memory, how she enjoys her studio space with another artist and more. Read on to explore more about the interview.

1. What does a day in the studio look like for you?

One of the things I like about being an artist is the diversity of activities on any given day. I try to start my day with the marketing tasks which I try to complete in the morning so I have the afternoon for the creative side of my business. My afternoons will depend on where I am in the creation process. If I am starting a new piece, it usually means researching the subject of the art piece. Some days I spend most of the time working with Inkscape to create the composition drawing that will guide piece placement. If the artwork is in the advanced stage, I spend the day making the pieces with the fabric chosen and placing them where they belong to form the composition.

2. What is your favorite memory or incident from your studio?

I love it when people come to the studio interested in learning about my process, my inspiration, and what new pieces I am working on or have plans to make in the future. My studio is in a 1939 building constructed to be a high school. Sometimes, people who attended the school will stop to chat about their time there and when they see the transformation from a classroom to an art studio, they want to know more about what I am doing.

3. Do you have any studio assistants or are you often accompanied by any visitors like pets or kids?

I share my studio with another artist. She uses acrylic as her medium. We have completely different styles but we have art in common and that is enough to forge a good friendship.

4. Can you share three of your favorite works from the past and present?

I don’t know that I have favorites. Once the artwork is completed I believe it belongs to someone else. If I had to pick three, I guess I would like Cristo Redentor in Color, A Rose of Many Colors, and the piece I made for my son, Playing Disc Golf

5. How would you describe a dream studio for yourself?

I know I am lucky in many ways because I have two studios: one at home and one in the Simpsonville Arts Center. They are both large with plenty of space for me to have what I need to create my art pieces. Dividing the week between the two places can be challenging because I have to carry certain items back and forth. My dream studio would be to have everything in the SAC. It’s large and sunny and people can chat with me.

6. What does your studio smell of right now?

Milk and oat soap. It’s sweet and spicy at the same time.

7. If you get a chance to set up your studio anywhere in the world, where would it be?

In an oceanfront place like the East coast of Brazil.

8. What are you currently working on?

I am recreating Kandinsky’s Lyrical to enter a Copy Cat competition

9. How do you organize your space?

I have an 8’ by 4’ table that my husband made for me where I have my computer, my cutting mat, my ironing area, my lightbox, and my wool pad. I also have shelves to put my fabrics and walls to display my art. I bring in tables where I have the Ladies Night Out at the studio in the arts center.

10. Favorite corner in your studio?

The wool pad where the composition comes to life as I put the pieces in their places

Read more about Selene Paschoal on her Website and Instagram.