Paul O'Connor

Paul O’Connor is a self-described “hoarder, collector, dreamer and creator”. Over the past 30 years he has worked in many creative fields- as an artist, lecturer, creative director, brand manager, editor, visual merchandiser and fashion stylist. Returning to his art-making practice in 2020, after a 20 year hiatus, Paul discovered the medium of ceramics. 

Through handmade vessels and objects, Paul expresses his thoughts on popular culture and reflects on recent collective and personal experiences. His distinct visual language includes a menagerie of recurring characters, from swans and Tasmanian tigers to horned beasts and cowboys. His porcelain plates and bowls are hand-painted with layered glazes, each with a unique story and design. Whilst food-safe and made to be used, they are also one-of-a-kind artworks. 

Paul has completed major public artworks around Western Australia, and undertaken residencies in Tokyo and Sydney. His works are held in several institutional collections, including Art Bank, Curtin University and the Art Gallery of Western Australia. He currently lives and works in Perth.